GJF meets with DIPP for improvisation in G&J industry

The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), represented by a group of 55 members approached Shri Ajay Shankar, Principal Secretary, DIPP, Ministry of commerce, Govt. of India, with a proposal on improvising the gem and jewellery industry. GJF representatives put forth a plan to address concerns of national council, mandatory hallmarking, gold imports, jewellery marketing and promotions including: The federation has acknowledged the need for Hallmarking. TRUSTMARK is standardised on product, systems, management, communication, sales and marketing, after sales, buyback and pricing policy; need for gold loans repayable over 360 days which would benefit the local and export jeweller in cycling his production viably; issue of ID cards for hassle free transit of jewellery; increase in Audit Limits from Rs 40+ lacs to Rs. 2 crores to encourage small entrepreneurs to fully declare their activities and be transparent in their dealings; promoting jewellery education and bring jewellery engineering as a specialisation soon after high school.

In response to these proposals, DIPP showed a positive feedback. Taking off from a proposal made by Shri. Ajay Shankar for the federation to be converted into a quasi-governmental body for effective governmental support, the Ministry of Commerce has granted formal approved for the federation to be converted into a national council and the Dept. of Industrial Policy and Promotions (DIPP) has promised to work closely with the National Council to contribute to the development of the industry.

Also, DIPP has pledged its support for better housing for craftsmen and for the setting up of jewellery parks in the five metros among a few, based on a finding that most artisans across the country lacked the best of facilities, thereby affecting the wellbeing and quality of work.