JAMMU, Jan. 1 -- In a major push towards strengthening tourism-led livelihoods and expanding access to institutional credit in rural areas, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today favoured the creation of a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting homestays and facilitating loans against SVAMITVA cards across the Union Territory.

The meeting, besides the Principal Secretary, Finance and Managing Director, J&K Bank, was attended by Secretary, Labour & Employment, Director, Employment, Managing Director, JKTDC and other concerned officers.

While reviewing the initiatives in detail, the Chief Secretary impressed upon J&K Bank to actively support community-based tourism, enhance ease of credit for homestay operators and unlock the economic pot...