GJF to get council status soon

The decision is expected after the budget session

The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) expects to receive the status of council within the next two to three months.

The federation said it would be easy to represent issues faced by gems and jewellery industry before government after receiving the status of the council.

"We have already asked the concerned ministry in Central government to bestow the status of council on us. We have received a positive reply from the government. Currently, the process for moving from federation to council is going on and GJF will get council status most probably after budget," said Haresh Soni, chairman of GJF.
 

After attaining the status of council, GJF will be christened as 'All India Gems and Jewellery Domestic Trade Council'. The status of council will establish the gems and jewellery business as industry. So far it is officially not an industry. Moreover, in the new council body, the government would also have its representative.

Soni said, "GJF was formed in 2005 and played an active role in promotion and growth of trade in gems and jewellery across India. After receiving council status, we will be able to do similar things with more strength."

Soni said, "The voice of the industry would be strengthened in policy-level matters."

GJF is also considering setting up five vendor parks in India to encourage handmade jewellery making. However, the places for vendor parks have not been decided yet.

It recently launched 'Labham,' the first ever educational programme for small players in jewellery business. Labham has been developed keeping in mind the demands of jewellers, manufacturers, traders and other constituents of gems and jewellery business.

Nirupa Bhatt, director of GJF and managing director, GIA India Laboratory said, "Labham will not only help the trade in improving governance and credibility but will provide stability in day-to-day operations."