The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) yesterday hosted a seminar in Girgaum, Mumbai in association with the Mumbai Suvarnakar Sangh to spread awareness among the smaller jewellers and artisans in the area about the various schemes being offered by government, banks and corporations for their sector.

Presentations were made by Shri Shailendra Singh, Asst. Director, MSME DI and Shri Krishna Mohan, (GM) NSIC on the various schemes available for small scale manufacturers.

Shri Maulik Shah, Almus, Banking Consultant and Ms. Preeti Phalgun, Chief Manager, Syndicate Bank addressed the gathering on issues related to banking and finance, while Shri Mithilesh Pandey spoke about the activities of the GJEPC and the benefits available to its members. Shri Naren Kotak of Edelweiss made a presentation on the medical insurance and other schemes for the industry.

The representatives of the MSME ministry assured the gathering that they would soon organise another round of discussions between industry representatives and the bankers and RBI, to enable the latter to get better insights into the ground realities of the industry and formulate appropriate plans.

It was also suggested that the banks along with the NSIC could conduct a camp for jewellers where their immediate financial and other needs could be addressed.