Kerala government offers interest-free loans of up to Rs 10,000 to tourism workers – The New Indian Express
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will grant interest-free loans up to Rs 10,000 without any guarantees to people employed in the tourism sector. As part of the revival of the industry which employs thousands of people across the state, the government has set up a revolving fund with an initial body of Rs 10 crore.
The government has issued an ordinance in this regard, PA Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas said. “The funding comes when the tourism sector is on the verge of a post-pandemic wave. Anyone working in this vital sector can take advantage of this program to revive their activities,” he said.
Individuals employed in a range of activities related to the tourism industry and members of any of the registered organizations will be eligible for the loan. Persons employed in units registered with the Responsible Tourism Mission (RT) are also eligible.
Assistance will be available for those working for tour operators, travel agencies, tourist taxi operators, barges and shikara boat operators, hotels, resorts, restaurants, serviced villas, tourist farms, Ayurvedic centers, adventure tourism companies, responsible tourism micro-units. , performing and martial arts troupes, and licensed tour guides from India Tourism or Kerala Tourism.
The employee must work in an entity which has the approval of the Department of Tourism, or be a member of the Kerala Travel Mart Society or any recognized organization related to tourism. The beneficiary will have to repay the loan within two years after a one-year moratorium. The application must be submitted online, for which a digital platform will soon be set up.
