More perks for gems and jewellery business

The government would give special assistance to set up Hallmark Certification Centres so that jewellery produced in the state would be recognised at global level.

As the Rs 90,000 crore diamond cutting and polishing business, gold, silver and precious stone business have the potential to get into bigger markets, the government has set up a gems and jewellery park near Surat, the diamond hub. Besides, the task force looking into the new industrial policy has recommended some incentives for setting up a gems and jewellery park.

The task force has recommended that for setting up a gems & jewellery park, with a minimum of 50 units including service unit, a financial support at 50 per cent of fixed capital investment in land, building and infrastructure facilities upto maximum of Rs. 2.5 crore per park should be given.

Hallmarked jewellery produced in these parks is expected to be promoted globally. The task force has recommended establishment of Hallmark certification centres. The task force has recommended financial support to the extent of 50 per cent on the cost of equipments, limited to Rs. 35 lakh.

The task force has also asked to set up Hallmark certification centres and consumer awareness programmes in all districts of the state and reference will be given to the districts where no Hallmarking Centres exist, said sources associated with the task force.

The sources added, "Criteria for Hallmarking centre will be as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)/ International Norms. The recommendation has been made to the industries department that financial assistance should be extended for buying costly equipments for such a facility. The good news is that BSI has recently received international recognition."

According to sources, the task force has also demanded a common testing facility for diamond and gems business in line with gems and jewellery business and recommended financial support of 50 per cent of the equipment cost, to a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh subject to accreditation by National Accreditation Agency or fulfillment of criteria of BIS.

The task force has recommended that gems and jewellery and diamond units should be encouraged to participate in trade fairs. The task force has recommended assistance at 50 per cent rent subject to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh each for domestic participation and Rs 5 lakh for International participation in trade fairs to a group of entrepreneurs, where the minimum number is 10.