The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) hosted an awareness seminar at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra earlier this week to spread awareness among MSME units from the g&j industry in the district.

The seminar was addressed by the GM of MSME, DIC, Santosh Gawai, who spoke about the various schemes offered by the MSME ministry including those related to cluster development, skilling, etc.

On behalf of the Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI), Praveen More provided detailed information on various programmes available for the training and advancement of artisans. He said that the organisation offered training and skill development modules for all types of artisans as per their present level and experience. He also informed the audience that artisans will receive certificates post their training and will be eligible to receive a grant of Rs 500 as well as be covered by a free accidental insurance policy worth up to Rs 2 lakh.

GJEPC representative Mithilesh Pandey provided detailed information about the various initiatives of the Government of India’s MSME ministry and different schemes launched by GJEPC for the development of the industry. He talked about the Parichay Card, the Swasthya Kosh which would provide benefits for those working with the industry and said that the Council had set up a special call center and developed a mobile app to facilitate communication with its members all across the country.

The GJEPC presentation also covered different benefits offered by the government to the trade such as interest subvention, Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme, financial assistance from the NSIC for participation in exhibitions in India and abroad and the modern Jewellery Park being set up in Navi Mumbai.

The jewellers were also given information about the upcoming IIJS Signature show.

During the discussion that followed, a number of jewellers expressed interest in beginning exports from the district. Responding to this, Prakash Lolage, President of Gold Jewellery Cluster and Sarafa Swarnakari Vyapari Sanghatna said that they would shortly organize more workshops and training sessions for this purpose.