For Rs. 2000, a foreigner can stay in Mumbai's slum
What's the story
Mumbai tourists will now be able to gain an all-new experience of staying in slums and understand the city better. The guests will be staying at one Ravi Sansi's house with his family in their newly acquired room. To make them feel comfortable, there's mattress, a flat-screen TV and an air-conditioner, however, they will have to use the same toilet facility as the slum.
The homestay
Slum homestay idea suggested by a foreigner from the Netherlands
According to reports, the idea about the slum homestay for foreigners was first suggested by David Bijl, a 32-year-old, from the Netherlands and works with the same non-profit that hired Sansi after he lost his job as a map seller. Sansi planned this homestay almost two years after a tourist from Singapore stayed at his one-room tenement with his 16-member family and loved it.
The room
A couple needs to pay Rs. 2000 for one night
The idea was warmly welcomed by Sansi and his family as they are in need of money. The room at Sansi's will be let out at Rs. 2,000 for a couple and the host family will get the entire amount. The family is also willing to step out of their comfort zone and ready to host unmarried couples, but only if they are foreigners.
Details
No permission acquired from the government
Bijl has also started a Facebook page for allowing tourists to know more about the accommodation. However, the page has received criticism both by Indians and non-Indians, claiming that this slum stay will only portray the negative side of India. So far, no permission has been acquired from the government regarding this facility. However, a guest register will be maintained as per the law.