Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Chhattisgarh Launches Chendru Award to Promote Rural Tourism
Chhattisgarh has created an award for people and groups who help tourism grow in villages.
It is called the Chendru State Rural Tourism Award.
Each year, a chosen person or institution can receive ₹1 lakh and a certificate.
A six-member jury will decide who receives it.
The jury will look at how the work helps communities, creates jobs, and protects culture and nature.
A person can win only once in their lifetime.
The award is named after Chendru Mandavi, who was known for his childhood friendship with a tiger cub.
The state hopes tourism will bring more opportunities and recognition to villages.
Chhattisgarh has notified the 2025 rules for the Chendru State Rural Tourism Award, which applies across the state.
Each year, a selected individual or institution will receive ₹1 lakh and a certificate of appreciation.
Individuals may receive the award only once; a six-member jury chaired by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board managing director will assess entries.
Judging will consider rural tourism work and impact, community participation, employment generation, and conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
The award is intended to recognise grassroots work and encourage tourism-led livelihoods and heritage preservation in rural and tribal communities.
- Who
- The Chhattisgarh Tourism Department established the award for individuals and institutions contributing to rural tourism.
- What
- The annual Chendru State Rural Tourism Award offers a selected recipient ₹1 lakh and a certificate of appreciation.
- When
- The Chendru, State Rural Tourism Award Rules, 2025, have been notified; the winner will be honoured during Rajyotsav.
- Where
- The award applies across Chhattisgarh.
- Why
- It aims to recognise rural tourism work, encourage local livelihoods and employment, and support conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
- Award
- Chendru State Rural Tourism Award
- Prize
- ₹1 lakh and a certificate of appreciation
- Frequency
- Awarded annually
- Individual eligibility
- An individual may receive the award only once in their lifetime
- Jury
- Six members, chaired by the managing director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board
- Evaluation criteria
- Rural tourism work and impact, community participation, employment generation, and cultural and natural heritage conservation
- Application process
- Entries will be invited through advertisements in leading newspapers; applicants must provide a profile, photographs, local residence proof, Aadhaar card, and supporting work documents
- Recognition
- The winner or an institution’s representative will be honoured during Rajyotsav
