The Tourism Ministry has launched a Bed and Breakfast Scheme. Delhiites and those living in the National Capital Region can now rent out rooms in their house to tourists during the Commonwealth Games.

It can be called a a genius strategy when the city is still unprepared for hosting the Games. More than 1,000 rooms have already registered under the Bed and Breakfast Scheme and the govt hopes to give tourists a homemade taste of India.

With great interiors, top of the line facilities, well maintained bathrooms and smoke detectors. Many homes in Delhi are being readied for visiting tourists at next year's Commonwealth Games.

"India has a rich heritage and is known for treating guests as God. Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is like God) is our slogan. This will cater to the budget tourists who will get to see Indian culture and in addition they can save on pockets also," explained Additional Secretary, Ministry Of Tourism, Sanjay Kothari.

Locals interested in signing up for the scheme and opening their homes to international tourists can enroll by paying a registration fees that ranges between Rs 3,000 and Rs, 5000.

The scheme solves to purposes. Not only does it help the govt to meet the room shortage in Delhi, it's also helps residents earn an extra buck.

"We will not have to pay any luxury tax, exemption from water and electricity, we can use on domestic rates and not on commercial rates," said a Delhi resident Jatander Sarup.

Homeowners will also have to provide their tenant tourist with breakfast every day.

The Tourism Department has now been advertising and promoting the Bed and Breakfast Scheme to a great extent. Of the 3,000 rooms it aims to achieve by 2010, around 1000 have already registered for the games.