The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), representing over 600,000 jewellers across India, has welcomed the Maharashtra Government’s decision to establish a state-level ‘Dakshata Committee’ (Vigilance Committee) to safeguard jewellers.
For years, jewellers have faced harassment during theft and robbery investigations, with some even losing their lives. Responding to these concerns, the State Government issued a Home Department circular in March 2024, outlining police procedures under BNS 317 (formerly Section 411 IPC) and recommending the formation of a vigilance body.
The newly constituted Dakshata Committee includes representatives from 36 districts, with plans for district-level committees to follow in partnership with GJC. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the government and the trade while ensuring a secure business environment for jewellers.
GJC expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis for this “visionary step” and acknowledged the efforts of Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Pankaj Bhoyar and Hon’ble Smt. Chitra Wagh (MLC) in making the reform possible.
Calling the decision “historic,” GJC Chairman Rajesh Rokde said it reflected the government’s commitment to creating a safe business environment in Maharashtra. He urged jewellers across India to work with their respective state governments to establish similar committees, paving the way for a national framework.
GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta described the move as “revolutionary,” noting that it would boost confidence in the trade and build a secure ecosystem for the sector nationwide.
The 12-member committee includes trade representatives from across Maharashtra, such as Shri Nitin Khandelwal (Akola), Shri Rajesh Rokde (Nagpur), Shri Subhash Vadala (Mumbai), and others.
GJC has invited state-level associations across India to replicate the initiative and is preparing a national Plan of Action to help implement the framework.