Delhi Government Announces ₹50,000/Month Tourism and Heritage Fellowship for Youth.
A Bold Step Towards Cultural Preservation and Youth Empowerment
In a move aimed at bridging the gap between Delhi’s rich heritage and its ambitious youth, the Delhi government has announced the launch of a Tourism and Heritage Fellowship Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to foster local involvement in the city’s cultural and tourism sectors. The announcement, made by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, reflects a broader vision to empower young individuals while preserving and promoting the city’s historical and cultural legacy.
Starting soon, the fellowship will select 40 young individuals annually, each receiving a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 for a period of one year. This fellowship not only offers financial assistance but also opens up an immersive, practical learning environment rooted in tourism, culture, and heritage management.
Fellowship Objectives: Linking Youth with Delhi’s Cultural Identity
The core aim of the Tourism and Heritage Fellowship is to strengthen Delhi's cultural fabric by engaging the city’s young citizens in its preservation and promotion. The programme will serve as a strategic platform for youth engagement, empowering them to directly contribute to Delhi government projects across key cultural and tourism landmarks.
The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) will implement the programme. By combining cultural preservation with youth development, the initiative also seeks to boost institutional capacity in the tourism sector, aligning with the broader national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the fellowship is part of a larger mission to reduce reliance on external consultants and instead tap into the potential of homegrown talent. “This initiative strengthens domestic capabilities and celebrates traditional knowledge systems,” she said during the announcement.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Fellows
Selected fellows will work across a wide range of domains that are central to the functioning and enrichment of Delhi’s tourism ecosystem. Their responsibilities include:
- Designing and conducting heritage walks and guided tours
- Producing digital and promotional content related to Delhi’s history and tourist attractions
- Participating in tourism marketing and event management
- Supporting operations at key tourist hubs like Delhi Haat and Garden of Five Senses
- Assisting in activities at tourist information centres
- Coordinating film shoots at heritage locations
- Contributing to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities
This multidimensional involvement will not only offer practical exposure but also allow fellows to experience hands-on governance, heritage management, and modern tourism practices.
Eligibility and Certification
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be below 35 years as of the application date
- Education: Should possess at least a graduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
On successful completion of the one-year programme, each fellow will be awarded a certificate from the Delhi government, recognizing their contribution to the city’s tourism and heritage initiatives.
This certificate is expected to carry significant value for those aspiring to build careers in cultural tourism, heritage conservation, urban development, or public administration.
Aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Youth Development
The Tourism and Heritage Fellowship has been designed in alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, a national movement that promotes self-reliance, capacity building, and the revival of traditional knowledge systems.
By selecting local youth and enabling them to contribute to official heritage projects, the Delhi government aims to:
- Promote community-driven governance
- Strengthen domestic tourism infrastructure
- Encourage knowledge sharing between generations
- Create a skilled workforce in the heritage and tourism sectors
In an increasingly globalized world, such efforts also help cities like Delhi retain their unique identity and project their culture to international audiences in a responsible and authentic manner.
Creating Future Leaders in Heritage and Tourism
This fellowship programme is more than a policy move—it is a leadership-building initiative. Participants will gain exposure to the intersections of governance, tourism policy, digital communication, and event management. With hands-on experience, fellows can emerge as future leaders, policymakers, or entrepreneurs within the cultural sector.
Additionally, with an annual intake of just 40 fellows, the programme ensures a focused, high-impact mentorship and training environment, where participants can engage meaningfully and not be lost in numbers.
A Welcome Step for Youth, Scholars, and Professionals Alike
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm by students, cultural professionals, and heritage researchers. Many believe this initiative fills a longstanding gap between academic interest in heritage and real-world professional exposure in the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Delhi’s vibrant yet often underutilized cultural sites can now become living classrooms for those selected, while also benefiting from their creativity and tech-savvy approaches in making heritage more accessible and engaging for wider audiences.
Conclusion: Building a Vibrant, Inclusive Delhi
The Tourism and Heritage Fellowship marks a transformational moment in how Delhi engages its youth in civic and cultural life. By combining financial support with cultural stewardship, the programme seeks to reignite public interest in heritage preservation while nurturing the next generation of heritage leaders.
As Delhi continues to position itself as a world-class tourism destination, initiatives like these reflect a deep commitment to making that vision inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven.
Prospective applicants are advised to keep an eye on the official announcements from the Delhi government and the DTTDC for application timelines and detailed guidelines.
