Jewellers in MP observe strike

The three-day nationwide strike called by bullion traders and jewellery industry against the proposed one per cent excise duty in the Budget received good response on the first day in Madhya Pradesh today, an industry association claimed.
"Some 25,000 persons associated with the jewellery industry across the state took part in the strike which affected business worth crores of rupees," Madhya Pradesh Sarafa Association President Hukum Soni told PTI.
"Since January 1, the government has made it mandatory to quote PAN while purchasing jewellery worth Rs two lakh or more, which has had an impact on the industry. One per cent excise has further worsened our problems," he said.

The association members also staged protests and sit-ins in various cities, he added.