The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports under the direction of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has put forward a new initiative called the Youth Hostel Scheme. This Government scheme aims to promote the construction and maintenance of youth hostels and also increase tourism in different states across the country as well.

Overview

What Is The Youth Hostel Scheme?

The Youth Hostel Scheme was launched by the government of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to help the youngsters of the country access accommodation services at affordable prices while they travel for numerous reasons like education, travel, etc. The govt. scheme aims to encourage the construction and use of Youth hostels which provide all the needed facilities at nominal prices.

What Are The Objectives Of The Youth Hostel Scheme?

Certain main objectives of the Youth Hostel Scheme outline its major goals. Some of the main objectives of the scheme are:

• To provide lodging that is well under the budget and label it as ‘Youth Hostels’ across India.

• Promote youth travel for purposes that are related to recreation and tours.

• Promote an environment where interactions can be made between Indian and international youths for added exposure, as the hostels are located in areas of cultural interest.

• To develop an interest in environmental protection and community living.

• Along with cheap and affordable stays, the hostels also foster a sense of comfort by allowing guests to order meals at the hostel or even cook their own food.

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Benefits

The benefits of the youth hostel scheme includes offering tourists and travellers an affordable and reliable alternative to expensive hotels. Some key benefits include:

• Accommodation starts at a very low cost of Rs. 150 per night.

• Different types of rooms are provided such as private and family rooms. Dormitory facilities are also available and start from Rs. 150 per night at select locations.

• Situated in places of cultural importance, helping residents understand the vibrant nature of the surroundings and also mingle with the locals as well as other travellers.

• Have the liberty to cook their meals or buy the food from the in-house canteens that the hostel provides.

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Eligibility Criteria

Interested individuals or groups of individuals first need to ensure whether they fit into the eligibility criteria of Youth Hostel Scheme or not. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• There is no applicable age restriction under this govt scheme, but applicants who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during their stay.

• To avail of the facilities provided by the youth hostels, the applicant must obtain a membership of the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI).

• The membership is open to all the citizens of India, as well as foreign residents visiting India.

Documents Needed

To apply for the Youth Hostel scheme, the individual must provide the following documents

• YHAI membership application form

• Identity proof, such as Aadhaar card, passport, or Voter ID

• Passport-sized photograph

Application Process

Interested and eligible applicants can apply for the Youth Hostel Scheme by following the steps mentioned below in detail:

• First, enrol as YHAI members by providing identity details and paying the membership fee.

• After this is done, applicants can visit the official website of the Department of Youth Affairs.

• From there, click on the Apply Now option under the youth hostels section.

• Fill out the required details and provide consent for Aadhar as biometric and KYC.

• Once you have successfully applied, the list of hostels can be checked on the list online.

List Of Hostels Under The Youth Hostel Scheme

The list of hostels associated with the Youth Hostel Scheme can be accessed by visiting their official website. Along with the names of the hostels with the location, it also clearly mentions the number of beds available and booking charges.

Conclusion

The Youth Hostel Scheme promotes a cost-effective travel and cultural experience for Indian youth. By establishing hostels nationwide, the initiative improves the accessibility of budget lodging. It empowers young people to explore India while travelling on a budget.

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