The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in Surat recently organised a special felicitation programme to express their appreciation of the Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Nitinbhai Patel, Members of Parliament Shri C. R. Patil and Smt. Darshana Jardosh for their efforts which resulted in certain key policy changes, especially in the GST rate structure.

Explaining the significance of the event, Dineshbhai Navadiya, Regional Chairman, GJEPC Gujarat spoke about the contribution these dignitaries had made in assisting the trade. He said that Shri Nitin Patel, who also handles the Finance portfolio at the state level, had played an important role in convincing the GST Council of the importance of reducing the GST rate for diamond job work from 5% to 1.5%.

He further said that MPs, Shri Patil and Smt Jardosh, were instrumental in organising meetings for the trade with Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and other officials of CBIC handling GST related matters. Their efforts too contributed to the reduction in GST rate on job work for diamonds. Earlier, these elected members also played a vital role in resolving the issue of 3% GST on rough diamonds which has now been reduced to 0.25%, as well as in gaining exemption for the G&J sector from the E-way bill procedures.

The regional chairman said that keeping in view their contribution and support to the G&J sector of Gujarat, GJEPC with the support of Surat Diamond Association, had organised a felicitation programme.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Patel appreciated the efforts put in by GJEPC and SDA in resolving the issues of the trade and exhorted all to work towards a stronger export performance in the coming period. He shared details of some of the efforts put in by the State Government, GST Commissionerate, MPs, MLAs and other stake holders in getting these measures approved by the GST Council, and assured the industry of the government’s support in all ways.

Dr. Jagdish Patel, Mayor, Surat, Shri Nitinbhai Bhajiyawala, President, BJP-Surat, Shri Nanubhai Vanani, former State Minister and Secretary, Gujarat Hira Bourse, Members of Legislative Assembly Smt. Sangitaben Patil, Smt. Jankhana Patel, Shri Pravin Ghoghari, Shri Kantibhai Balar, Shri Mohanbhai Dodiya and Shri Vivekbhai Patel, trade leaders, GJEPC Regional Committee Members, Customs officials and others all participated in the function.

Besides GJEPC, representatives and office bearers of various associations including the Surat Diamond Association, Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association, Ratnakalakar Vikas Sangh, Varachha-Katargam Jewellery Association, Surat Aahir Diamond Vepari Mandal, Navsari Diamond Merchant’s Association, Navjivan Vikas Mandal – Khambhat, Sardardham team and the Ratnakalakar Sahayak Group also participated in the felicitations.

Pic caption: Hon Dy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel addresses the trade meeting in Surat