Jewellers to continue strike

Jewellers have decided to continue with their strike to protest against the government’s proposal to impose excise duty on gold jewellery.

“Jewellers Association representatives from all states unanimously decided to continue the strike till further notice to protest against the imposition of excise duty that will negatively impact a large number of manufacturers, artisans and craftsmen.

The Excise guidelines are not practically implementable and will be detrimental to the survival of the industry. We urge the Government to withdraw the proposal to impose excise duty till there is proper dialogue and discussion on the subject. Our protest continues till the government takes cognisance of our views and acts favourably,” said G V Sreedhar, chairman of All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation.

Jewellers held discussions with finance minister Arun Jaitley and in order to address his concern over bullion trade resulting in increasing gold imports, they have decided to stop selling bullion. GJF office bearers also had a meeting with prime minister Narendra Modi and submitted their representation. More than three lakh jewelers including manufacturers and artisans are participating in the strike.