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Minister Suresh Prabhu Unveils National Gems and Jewellery Council

Empowering India’s Gems & Jewellery Sector: A New Era of Growth and 3 Million Jobs

India’s gems and jewellery sector, a beacon of tradition and craftsmanship with a legacy stretching back 5,000 years, has long been a significant contributor to the nation’s economy and cultural identity. Despite its immense potential, a large segment of this vibrant industry has remained unorganized, facing challenges in standardization, market access, and skill development. Recognizing this critical need, a landmark initiative was unveiled: the launch of the Domestic Council for the Gems & Jewellery sector. This pivotal move, spearheaded by the government, aims to revolutionize the industry, foster structured growth, and unlock unprecedented opportunities, including the ambitious goal of creating 3 million new jobs across the country.

The inauguration of the Domestic Council was a momentous occasion, marked by a distinguished gathering of industry leaders and government officials. Shri Suresh Prabhu, the then Hon. Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, officially launched this transformative body. The ceremony, held in a glittering function, saw the presence of Smt. Rupa Dutta, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Shri Pramod Kumar Agrawal, who served as the Convener of the National Ad-Hoc Committee for the Domestic Council for Gems & Jewellery and also as the Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Together with 14 representatives from the Ad-Hoc Committee, these leaders articulated a shared vision for a more organized, unified, and globally competitive Indian gems and jewellery industry. Minister Prabhu further announced a clear timeline for the Council’s full operationalization, stating that it would be functioning with elected representatives by May 1, 2019, a date symbolically chosen to coincide with Labour Day and Maharashtra Day, underscoring its focus on employment and regional development.

A Confluence of Visionaries: Dignitaries and Industry Stalwarts

The launch event underscored the broad-based support and importance attached to the Domestic Council, drawing a diverse array of esteemed personalities. Key figures present included Shri Sanjay Kaka Patil (Member of Parliament), Smt. Rupa Dutta (Economic Adviser, Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry), and Shri Senthil Nathan (Deputy Secretary, Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry), representing the government’s steadfast commitment. From the industry, prominent leaders such as Shri Anantha Padmanaban (Chairman, All India Gems & Jewellery Domestic Council), Shri Dulichand Karel (Chairman, Bhartiya Swarnkar Sangh, Jaipur), Shri Mohit Bharatiya (IBJA), and Shri Rajesh Khosla (Chairman, Association of Gold Refineries and Mints, Cochin) participated, reflecting the collective desire for progress and integration within the sector. Their presence signified a unified front, ready to collaborate and guide the Council towards achieving its ambitious objectives.

The Foundation of Representation: Crafting an Inclusive Ad-Hoc Committee

The strength of the Domestic Council lies in its inclusive and representative foundation. Prior to its official launch, an Ad-Hoc Committee was meticulously formulated, bringing together a wide spectrum of associations from various segments and geographical regions of the gems and jewellery industry. This comprehensive representation ensures that the Council truly embodies the diverse voices and needs of the sector, from traditional artisans to large-scale manufacturers and refiners. The participating associations included:

  • All India Gems & Jewellery Domestic Council, Mumbai
  • Association of Gold Refineries and Mints (AGRM), Cochin
  • Bangiya Swarna Shilpi Samiti, Kolkata
  • Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), Mumbai
  • Bhartiya Swarnkar Sangh, Jaipur
  • Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Mumbai
  • Imitation Jewellery Manufacturers Association (IJMA), Mumbai
  • India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), Mumbai
  • India Jewellers Forum (IJF), Amritsar
  • Karnataka Jewellers Federation, Bangalore
  • Odisha Jewellers Association, Cuttack
  • Rajkot Gems & Jewellery Association, Rajkot
  • Tamil Nadu Jewellers Federation (TNJF), Chennai
  • Uttar Pradesh Sarafa Association, Kanpur

This extensive list highlights the Council’s dedication to creating a truly national body that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities present across India’s rich tapestry of jewellery making and trading centers. By incorporating voices from every corner of the industry, the Council is poised to foster holistic growth and development.

Vision from the Top: A Historic Leap for Indian Craftsmanship

Shri Suresh Prabhu articulated the profound significance of the Domestic Council, declaring, “Today is a historic day as a new chapter opens in India’s 5,000-year-old legacy in gems & jewellery.” He emphasized that the launch represents a crucial step within a broader series of structured reforms initiated by the government to bring greater organization and unity to the sector. Prabhu highlighted the democratic process adopted in forming the Council, ensuring fair representation for key stakeholders including jewellers, manufacturers, miners, artisans, and craftsmen from diverse geographical regions and industry segments. He stressed that the Council would not only represent “the culture and ethos of India’s gems, gold & jewellery business” but also proactively address global market opportunities to generate significant economic value for the nation. The Minister affirmed the government’s role as a facilitator, stating, “The Government will create and facilitate and leave it to the industry to take it forward,” underscoring a collaborative approach where industry leadership is paramount.

Industry’s Embrace: Organizing for Unprecedented Heights

Echoing the government’s vision, Shri Pramod Kumar Agrawal, Convener of the Ad-Hoc Committee and Chairman of GJEPC, expressed the industry’s enthusiastic support. He stated, “We welcome the Government’s decision to form Domestic Council for the Indian gems & jewellery sector. This will help to organise our unorganised and small scale based domestic jewellery industry and help it to scale new heights.” Agrawal recognized the immense potential for growth once the fragmented unorganized sector receives the necessary structure and support. He pledged his commitment as Convener to building consensus and transforming the Domestic Council into a truly national body that serves the aspirations of all associations, both large and small, from across the country. Highlighting GJEPC’s instrumental role, he added, “GJEPC is happy to offer all support and guidance in the formation of an inclusive, democratic and self-sustainable Council.” The emphasis on “one voice one body” resonated strongly, signifying the critical need for a unified front to advocate for the industry’s interests and drive collective progress. Agrawal confidently reiterated the Council’s transformative potential, affirming, “Domestic Council will help create 3 million more jobs and new artisans/ craftsmen in the business,” an ambitious target that promises to reshape the socio-economic landscape for millions.

The Journey Towards Formalization: A Historical Perspective

The idea of a dedicated Domestic Council for the gems and jewellery sector is not a recent innovation but rather the culmination of years of discussions, reports, and persistent advocacy. Its genesis can be traced back to 2005-06, when the Sivaraman Committee was constituted. This committee was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive study of the entire gem and jewellery sector, subsequently submitting its insightful report to the Union Finance Ministry. While the responsibility for implementation later transitioned to the Union Commerce & Industry Ministry and then to the DIPP (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), the foundational concept of a structured domestic body remained pertinent.

Momentum for such a council gained significant traction in 2017 when the Prime Minister himself highlighted the gems and jewellery sector as a prime example for the “Make in India” initiative. He challenged jewellers to devise strategic approaches to significantly increase India’s share in the global handmade jewellery market, a segment where India possesses unparalleled heritage and skill. Further reinforcing this imperative, in February 2018, the Niti Aayog panel, in its comprehensive report on the necessity of a holistic gold policy, explicitly proposed the establishment of a dedicated domestic council for the gems and jewellery sector. This historical journey underscores a consistent recognition by various governmental bodies and policy think tanks of the strategic importance of organizing and empowering this crucial industry. The launch of the Council in 2019 thus represents the realization of a long-cherished vision, bringing together fragmented efforts into a cohesive national strategy.

Paving the Path Forward: Constitution, Elections, and Inclusive Growth

With the Domestic Council now officially launched, the immediate task ahead involves laying down the operational framework that will govern its functioning and ensure its democratic nature. This includes the crucial work of framing the robust constitution of the Domestic Council, meticulously outlining its objectives, powers, and governance structure. Simultaneously, the election rules must be drafted to facilitate a transparent and fair process for selecting its representatives, ensuring that the voice of every segment of the industry is heard and respected. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), with its extensive experience and infrastructure, has generously offered to provide all necessary secretarial support for the incorporation and initial functioning of the Council. This includes assisting in the meticulous drafting of all constitutional documents and the detailed election rules, a process expected to be completed shortly, paving the way for the Council’s full operational capacity.

The core committee, instrumental in steering these foundational processes, comprises influential leaders from key industry bodies, symbolizing a collaborative leadership approach:

  • Chairman – Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
  • Chairman – All India Gems & Jewellery Domestic Council
  • Chairman – Indian Bullion and Jewellers’ Association Ltd. (IBJA)
  • Chairman – Bhartiya Swarnkar Sangh, Jaipur
  • Chairman – Association of Gold Refineries and Mints, Cochin

This powerful core committee will guide the Council in its nascent stages, ensuring that its development is aligned with the needs and aspirations of the entire fraternity. Emphasizing its foundational principle, the Domestic Council is designed to be an inherently inclusive body. Its success and forward momentum are intrinsically linked to the collective support and active participation of all its members, fostering a spirit of unity and shared responsibility for the prosperity of India’s gems and jewellery sector. By streamlining operations, promoting skill development, and creating a unified platform, the Council is poised to not only meet its goal of 3 million new jobs but also significantly elevate India’s standing as a global leader in gems and jewellery.

Driving Economic Prosperity and Global Competitiveness

The establishment of the Domestic Council signifies a profound commitment to leveraging the full potential of India’s gems and jewellery sector. Beyond the impressive target of 3 million new jobs, the Council’s role extends to enhancing the sector’s overall economic contribution, fostering innovation, and strengthening its global competitiveness. By formalizing the unorganized segments, it will facilitate easier access to credit, promote the adoption of modern technologies, and encourage adherence to international quality standards. This move is expected to boost domestic consumption while also providing a stronger foundation for India’s renowned jewellery exports, particularly in the hand-made segment, aligning perfectly with the “Make in India” vision.

Skill development and training will be key pillars of the Council’s strategy, ensuring a continuous supply of highly skilled artisans and craftsmen who can meet evolving market demands and global design trends. Furthermore, the Council will serve as a powerful advocacy body, representing the industry’s interests to the government on matters of policy, taxation, and trade agreements. By speaking with “one voice,” it can more effectively champion regulatory reforms that support growth and streamline business operations. The long-term impact of this initiative will be a more resilient, dynamic, and globally recognized Indian gems and jewellery industry, one that not only creates significant employment but also proudly showcases India’s exquisite craftsmanship and rich heritage on the world stage, contributing substantially to the nation’s economic prosperity for decades to come.