GJEPC highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the Kolhapur-Hupari silver jewellery cluster and expanding the global reach of GI-tagged Kolhapuri Payal during the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Vartalap – Media Interaction held in Kolhapur on 21 July.
Organised by PIB, Mumbai, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, the event focused on the theme, “From Regional Identity to Global Recognition.” It brought together government officials, media representatives, artisans, industry stakeholders and academicians to discuss strategies for promoting regional crafts and increasing export opportunities.
The session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Jasmin, Communication Officer, PIB, who highlighted the growing role of digital communication and social media in public policy outreach and in promoting traditional industries, trade and exports.
Representing the country’s gem and jewellery export sector, Mithilesh Pandey, Senior Director – MSME, GJEPC, presented the Council’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Kolhapur-Hupari silver jewellery ecosystem. The Council outlined plans to promote GI-tagged Kolhapuri Payal and traditional silver jewellery in international markets, while providing greater visibility to artisans through the Craft Pavilion at IIJS Bharat exhibitions.
GJEPC also highlighted its export-readiness programmes for MSMEs and artisans, a cluster study of the Hupari silver jewellery hub, awareness initiatives on government schemes such as PM Vishwakarma and Udyam Registration, and support for establishing a Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC). The Council further emphasised facilitating the participation of Kolhapur manufacturers in IIJS Bharat and other buyer-seller platforms, alongside encouraging branding, design innovation and digital marketing to improve global competitiveness.
GJEPC said stronger collaboration among artisans, industry, government agencies, media and export promotion organisations will be critical to transforming Kolhapur’s traditional silver craftsmanship into a globally recognised brand. It added that improved market access, capacity building, infrastructure development and the promotion of GI-tagged products could position the Kolhapur-Hupari cluster as a significant contributor to India’s gem and jewellery exports.