Marble traders seek changes in import policy

Marble traders met Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today and sought changes in the import policy such as removal of quantitative restrictions, saying it would help in bridging the demand-supply gap.
The Delhi Marble Dealers Association has also recommended free import of rough marble under the open general licence scheme.
"Met representatives of marble dealers associations to discuss import policy of rough marble and travertine blocks and marble slabs," Commerce and Industry Minister, Sitharaman said in a tweet.
In a memo submitted to the Minister, the association said that these changes would increase availability of raw materials and provide opportunity for reopening of close and sick marble processing units.

"Assured availability of raw marble blocks promote would also create more opportunity for jobs in the country," it said.
The current import policy has led to centralisation of trade to only few states, created barriers to entry, and loss of foreign exchange as value addition is happening in other countries, it added.
"There is a huge demand and supply gap for raw materials, rough marble blocks," the memo said.