Leh: Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), chaired a meeting on July 14 to address concerns related to the classification and eligibility of homestays operating in urban areas of Leh. The meeting, held at the DC Office’s VC room, focused on the need to distinguish genuinely family-run, agriculture-based homestays from commercial units within urban limits.
DC Leh noted that many homestays, though falling within the urban zone, continue to offer a rural, culturally immersive experience and are primarily run by local families. However, due to their urban classification, such units are currently excluded from the benefits of official homestay schemes. To address this discrepancy, he directed the tourism department to conduct a comprehensive field survey to identify genuinely deserving homestay units.
The discussion also emphasized the need for strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid out for homestays. Officials were asked to verify the primary source of income for each household, ensuring that the benefits reach only those whose livelihood genuinely depends on homestay operations.
DC Leh instructed the Assistant Director of Tourism to carry out a thorough and transparent survey, keeping the core intent of the homestay policy in mind. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonam Nurboo also called for a field-level verification of SOP compliance and recommended that another review meeting be scheduled after the beneficiary lists are submitted.
The meeting was attended by AD Tourism Padma Angmo, Executive Officer of MC Leh, the President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, and other key officials.
