The Indian government has activated the Disaster Management Act (2005) to manage the second wave of Covid19 in several parts of India. Depending upon the gravity of the situation, state government and local government agencies have started implemented stringent norms in order to ‘Break the Chain’ of spread of Covid19 virus.

Although as international markets have opened up and especially with hefty stimulus packages rolled out by the US government the demand for gems and jewellery especially from USA has increased considerably. As a result, Indian market is flooded with export orders. The local pandemic situation has induced lockdown in Mumbai, particularly which is also the hub for diamond export in India.

Therefore, with a view balance the export demand and local pandemic situation the state government has exempted diamond exporters operating from Bharat Diamond Bourse from the lockdown. Stricter norms have been implemented and new SOPs have been put in place, however.

India’s gem and jewelry industry has obtained an exemption from the strict Covid-19 measures that have gone into effect in Mumbai and the surrounding region. The export and import of all commodities, enabling the diamond sector to carry on as normal, the country’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) confirmed on April 14. Support functions such as grading laboratories can also continue. According to Mehul Shah, vice president of BDB – the bourse will remain open.

Gem and jewelry manufacturing and support activities can continue in shifts, the Maharashtra government clarified in a virtual meeting with the GJEPC last week. Also, the BDB can open Covid-19 vaccination and testing centers for workers, it said.