The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has sketched project proposals worth $231 million (Rs 1,200 crore) in its twelfth ''Five Year Plan.'' Strangely, the plan ignores the world's biggest diamond cutting and polishing center in Surat, Rapaport reports citing the Times of India.
The GJEPC has proposed a jewelry park and convention center at the cost of Rs 900 crore in Mumbai, a colored gemstone bourse in Jaipur at the cost of Rs 200 crore, a Rs 9.25 crore jewelry training center in Kolkata and Rs 40 crore worth of common facility center (CFC) in 13 diamond centers in Gujarat.
With nothing proposed for the diamond industry in Surat, the plan irked the diamond community, especially the small and medium diamantaires, who have been demanding a center of excellence and jewelry training center in the diamond hub.
Industry sources said the regional office of GJEPC in Gujarat is responsible for putting forth the projects for the development of the world's biggest diamond cutting and polishing center. But, the regional office has failed in its endeavor.
Rajiv Jain, the chairman of the GJEPC, told TOI, "We have not received any specific project request from the regional chairman of GJEPC in Gujarat. If there are any projects to be worked out in Surat, we will certainly look into it. The central government is likely to sanction Rs 5,000 crore worth of projects for the gems and jewelry sector in the Five Year Plan."
Dinesh Navadia, the president of the Surat Diamond Association, said, "It is the responsibility of the regional office of GJEPC to propose projects before the council, which it has not done. Surat is the world's biggest diamond manufacturing hub and GJEPC should focus on strengthening the workers' base, which is fast deteriorating due to competition from other sectors. We want to train our artisans in jewelry making as well."
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