Mumbai, 5 April 2025 

Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, addressed the India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS) 2025, organized by the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) in Mumbai today.

Mr Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), Mr Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, Mr Saiyam Mehra, Immediate Past Chairman and Convener of GJS, Mr Saiyam Mehra  as the guest on this occasion.

 

Commending GJC’s commitment to the industry, Shri Joshi highlighted that the council’s mission to “Protect, Promote, and Progress” the domestic jewellery sector aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized the historical and economic significance of India’s gem and jewellery sector, which contributes approximately 7% to the GDP and provides employment to around 5 million people.

Key highlights from the Minister’s address include:

In FY 2023–24, India’s gems and jewellery exports stood at US$ 22 billion, projected to reach US$ 100 billion by 2027.

India is the top global exporter of diamonds and the largest consumer of gold.

The Government is committed to maintaining India’s status as a global manufacturing hub with a focus on quality, standardization, and consumer protection.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has implemented several key initiatives:

Mandatory Hallmarking of gold jewellery across 361 districts

Growth in hallmarking registrations to ~2 lakh jewellers

Increase in Assaying & Hallmarking Centres from 331 (2014–15) to 1623 (2025)

Digital automation of hallmarking processes, including integration of XRF machines and Laser systems

Over 44 crore gold articles hallmarked to date

The Minister also emphasized the Government’s efforts to strengthen skill development, with internship programs, upskilling courses, and exposure visits through BIS labs.

He announced the launch of a National Hackathon, in collaboration with GJC, to develop innovative Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technologies for gold jewellery.

Further, the Government has undertaken strategic steps to boost the industry’s global presence:

100% FDI permitted in the sector through the automatic route

Multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to enhance exports

Launch of the Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) at SEEPZ SEZ in Mumbai

Shri Joshi urged the industry to adopt sustainable practices, modern technologies, and focus on ‘Brand India’ to appeal to global markets.

Concluding his address, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering support to the gems and jewellery sector and congratulated GJC for successfully organizing GJS 2025.

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HR/PK

 

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