Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 12: A government-backed facilitation drive at Shaheed Dweep has opened access to financial support for tourism-linked micro-enterprises, with 50 local beneficiaries submitting applications on the spot for assistance under the World Bank-assisted Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme.
The Special Facilitation Camp, organised by the Department of Tourism in association with the Department of Industries at the Community Hall, Shaheed Dweep, also provided on-the-spot registration of beneficiaries under the MSME framework. Local residents, youth, prospective homestay operators and tourism stakeholders participated in the camp.
A key component of the initiative is financial assistance for procuring and installing astronomical telescopes, aimed at developing opportunities for astro-tourism on the island. The initiative seeks to use Shaheed Dweep’s clear night skies and minimal light pollution for tourism activities beyond daytime beach-based experiences.
Under the RAMP subsidy structure, male beneficiaries will receive reimbursement of 50 per cent of the total telescope cost, including installation. Women and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries will be eligible for reimbursement of 75 per cent of the total cost, including installation.
Officials from the Tourism and Industries departments, along with consultants from the KPMG team, guided participants through documentation requirements, eligibility conditions and operational models for stargazing ventures.
The programme also encouraged prospective beneficiaries to use night-sky observation facilities to provide evening experiences for tourists, with the stated objective of creating additional income opportunities for local communities.
The camp addressed a long-standing demand for support and facilitation linked to tourism-related entrepreneurship and provided direct assistance to those seeking to participate in the scheme.
Prospective beneficiaries who could not attend the camp can obtain application forms and detailed guidelines from the Planning Section of the Directorate of Tourism.
