GJC's Journey at a Glance
All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) is the only trade body which has a rich legacy of voluntary service by jewellers for the benefit and uplift of fellow industry colleagues as well as artisans engaged in the profession. The objective is the well-being and progress of one and all and GJC members devote valuable time to protect the industry, promote knowledge and thus ensure the progress of the gems and jewellery sector across the country.
PROTECT
- The GJF held multi-city conferences with industry leaders and made representations to the Union Finance Minister on excise duty levy during 2005-2012. Industry concerns were explained and finally efforts paid off when the levy was abolished.
- On March 17, 2012 the GJF spearheaded a nationwide agitation and protest march against the 2012-13 Budget proposal of excise duty on jewellery. The GJF declared a five-day-long nationwide jewellery ‘bandh’ and supported a 21-day-long ‘bandh’ by local associations across India. On May 7, 2012 the Union Finance Minister announced his decision to withdraw excise duty on branded and unbranded jewellery.
- The GJF is representing industry case on hallmarking before the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It has held various regional meetings and is now working closely with the abovementioned bodies on policy formulation.
- The GJF organised security workshops for the jewellery industry that addressed the issue of robberies that had reached alarming levels in the interiors of Maharashtra in 2007.
- On June 11, 2009 the organisation handed over a memorandum of industry demands to the Union Minister of Finance.
- As an apex body of the gems and jewellery sector, the GJF has since 2008 made several representations to the Minister of Commerce and Industry as well as top government officials on the formation of a national council. Several industry leaders have supported this initiative and approval is due soon.
- To safeguard the industry and its affiliates, the GJF has been giving great importance to industry needs and demands. Since its inception it has been preparing pre-Budget recommendations. It invites opinions and recommendations from across the nation and sends the same to the Union Finance Minister for due consideration.
- On January 29, 2013, the GJF convened a special meet of GJF members to discuss the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Hallmarking Act, and the 2013 pre-Budget proposal.
- On February 7, 2013, the GJF met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs and appraised him about the issues plaguing the industry. A wide range of topics were discussed during the meeting, including mandatory hallmarking, weights and measures and ban of cadmium in jewellery. The same day it held a press conference to explain the problems being faced by the industry and various laws that were obstructing the smooth functioning of the industry.
- In June 2013, the GJF conducted a nationwide press conference on the gold crisis that was triggered by restrictions on import of gold. In July 2013, the GJF delegation made a representation to the Central Board of Customs and Excise (CBCE).
- On June 27, 2013 the GJF convened a high-level round table discussion on gold in association with the FICCI. Leaders of the industry as well as members of the allied industry and banking sectors participated in this discussion on gold policy in India.
- On July 19, 2013 the GJF delegation made a representation to the CBCE, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on the gold crisis, following restriction on import of gold, customs duty hike, mandatory hallmarking, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, weight and measures and other pressing issues.
- In August 2013, a GJF delegation presented the government with its Swarn Bhachao Abhiyan, a project envisaged to utilise the gold lying idle with Indian households and thus help the government to save on foreign exchange and control current account deficit.
- In August 2013, the GJF and the GJEPC held a joint meeting to discuss the gold import policy and other issues faced by the industry. The GJF thereafter apprised the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry on the GJEPC’s expression of its inability to take care of the domestic sector.
- In July 2014, GJF delegates met the director general of income tax investigation, Mumbai, with regard to hassle-free jewellery transportation across various states.
- In March 2015, GJF delegates met additional secretary – investments to discuss the proposed Gold Monetization Scheme.
- During March and May 2015, the GJF organised press conference in 12 different cities across India and held meetings with the government to show industry concern on the imposition of compulsory PAN card requirement on jewellery sales over Rs 1 lakh.
- On March 18, 2015, GJF delegates met Union Minister of State, Home Affairs, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner-Investigation, Central Board of Direct Taxes, and Director General, Central Industrial Security Force on Jewellers Identification Card (JID) and various issues that impact the movement and transit of gem and jewellery goods across the country.
- On June 11, 2015, the gem and jewellery industry raised Rs. 1.23 crore for Nepal earthquake victims. The funds raised were handed over to Amit Shah, BJP president.
- On October 1, 2015, the GJF organised an interactive seminar with income tax officials for the benefit of its members.
PROGRESS
- In 2005, newsletters were devised as a way to disseminate knowledge and information on industry issues, events and happenings.
- Between 2005 and 2010, the GJF held interactive trade meetings in urban and rural areas, educating the industry on new developments and disseminating knowledge on the importance of local associations joining the national federation
- In February 2006, GJF held seminars on technical aspects of manufacturing, adoption of new technology and machinery to increase production and cut loss of gold in manufacturing.
- GJF organised jewellery design contest for jewellery artisans and designers between September and November 2006.
- In 2007-08, GJF organised seminars on:
1. The changing jewellery retail scenario
2. Survival and growth for joint family business
3. Increasing store profitability and return on investments
4. Industry — present and future
5. Changing purchase patterns of end consumers
6. Building store identity
7. Gold loans and hedging
- In 2007-08 GJF affiliated local associations all across India. Incentives were given to local associations for regional development.
- In 2007-08, GJF organised conferences with industry leaders on the road ahead for the industry called Industry Authorities Meet (AIMS)
- A jewellery retail store business excellence model called Trustmark was launched. It is an assurance to a customer on a jeweller’s commitment to quality and best business practices.
- In 2009, GJF implemented uniform gold rate policy across India for the benefit of customers
- A MoU was signed with the Israel Diamond Institute for promoting positive relations between the gems and jewellery industries of both countries and to enhance areas of cooperation between them.
- Vinaya, a grand educational summit, was conducted in more than 24 cities across India. Planned and implemented by the GJF it gave an opportunity to retail jewellers to improvise working standards, adopt new technologies and modalities to enhance business.
- On October 31, 2011, GJF opened its first regional office in Kolkata. It was part of the Federation’s long term plan to decentralise its operations and be more proactive in its efforts to address the concerns of members.
- In November 2011 the first intercity networking meet of Preferred Manufacturer of India was launched in Hyderabad. Till date two PMI programmes have been successfully organised with two grand meets and five regional meets each. PMI 3 was also launched recently in Hyderabad.
- In October 2012, the GJF conducted an exclusive B2B exhibition called Abhushanam and an entertainment programme called Alankarik in Raipur. Since then it is being organised every year.
- In January 2011, the GJF scheduled a leadership summit on various subjects to help jewellers mobilise valuable information on industry related topics. From 2011 to 2014 the leadership summit was organised every year.
- In September 2013, the GJF conducted regional meetings and Unnathi at Nasik, Maharashtra.
- In December 2013, Star Scheme, a programme meant for training the sales associates of jewellers under the aegis of the National Skill Development Corporation completed 147 batches across India. The western region comprising Maharashtra and Gujarat has 55 per cent share while the southern region has 34 per cent share. Total number of trainees trained under this programme till March 31, 2014 is 2,075.
- In June 2014, the GJF organised the first Labham programme at Rajkot. Labham is an educational programme for compliance and best business practices. A reference book on compliance and best business practices was also released and distributed among participants. Since its inception the GJF has conducted 16 such programmes.
- In July 2014, the GJF constituted the Chain Store Committee. The committee subsequently held a meeting that was attended by 19 corporates. It deliberated on various aspects of the Gold Savings Scheme.
- From November 17 to December 1, 2014, the GJF organised Alankar Utsav, a 15-day festival in which 194 stores participated. Every day one customer was chosen as lakhpati through a lucky draw and a sedan gifted as bumper prize.
PROMOTE
- The GJF supported GJEPC’s India International Jewellery Show from 2005-2008.
- The GJF organised the world’s largest jewellery festival, Lucky Lakshmi, to incentivise customers and increase footfalls in retail outlets in 2006. With the support of the Ministry of Commerce, the World Gold Council, the Diamond Trading Corporation and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the GJF executed Lucky Lakshmi in 118 cities in 18 states across India. It helped the industry generate revenues worth Rs. 3000 crore. In 2008, Lucky Lakshmi was celebrated on a bigger scale.
- In 2007, GJF organised press conferences in 18 cities on the importance of hallmarking.
- In 2007, a seminar was organised in association with KPMG on quality standards and retail science.
- Educational seminars, workshops and development programmes were held in 2007-08 in association with the Indian Institute of Jewellery (IIJ). More than 5,000 industry representatives trained on sales management, quality standards, inventory management, jewellery identification and metallurgy.
- The GJF held a seminar on quality and standards in jewellery industry in 2007.
- The GJF supported various exhibitions in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Cochin and various parts of India to promote the jewellery industry in 2007-08.
- The GJF, along with the GJEPC, organised meets with a Japanese business delegation in February 2008.
- In May-August 2008, GJF organised the Smart Jeweller, a unique CRM programme for manufacturers. The Smart Jeweller programme is aimed at promoting manufacturers and retailers through a marketing tool called Trends Today.
- The GJF associated with BIS on a seminar on Safe Storage of Valuables in Jewellery Establishments in January 2009.
- The GJF associated with the FICCI on International Brand Conclave 2009, Vision & Trends, Focus Sector Gems & Jewellery.
- On July 9, 2009, a seminar on business development and future growth in gems and jewellery industry was organised at Hyderabad
- A seminar on traditional business management and development was organised by the GJF in Mumbai on July 20, 2009
- A members’ resource directory Acquaint was launched at IIJS 2008.
- The GJF organised seminars jointly with the GJEPC on the growth of the industry at IIJS 2009
- The GJF organised education workshops jointly with the Indian Institute of Jewellery at Indore and Bhopal in 2009.
- The GJF distributed gold rate banners twice across the nation
- The GJF organised trade delegations to the Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair and the Hong Kong Jewellery Fair in 2009
- The GJF organised a networking trip to Goa during IIJS Signature 2010
- The Marathwada Jewellers Meet that was attended by jewellers of eight districts of Marathwada on January 9, 2010 was organised by the GJF.
- The GJF supported the jewellers meeting at Nasik on January 10, 2010. The meeting was attended by more than 10,000 swarnakars from across the state.
- Multi Commodity Exchange of India seminar was organised for understanding advantages, features and benefits of hedging on January 11, 2010. This was conducted by the members of Dadar Jewellers Association, Mumbai.
- A FICCI-Technopark knowledge report on Unlocking the Potential of India’s Gems & Jewellery Sector was released on January 15, 2010.
- The GJF organised GJF Fashion Nite in 2010 and promoted various companies within the jewellery industry. Since then the entertainment night is being organised every year.
- In 2011, the GJF organised the first National Jewellery Awards and since then the NJA has been honouring innovation and creativity in the industry.
- The GJF introduced Jewellers Identity Card (JID) to ease problems in transporting precious gold jewellery across locations in the country for its members and their employees.
- In April 2013, GJF organised manufacturers and wholesalers meet in Mumbai. The purpose of the meet was to boost the business prospects of manufacturers and wholesalers and form a committee.
- In April 2013, the GJF led a delegation of 40 members to Basel, Switzerland.
- In August 2013, GJF led a delegation of 21 members to the Hong Kong Jewellery Fair.
- In July 2014, GJF launched the B2B magazine, Gems and Jewellery Times.
- In March 2014, a GJF delegation comprising 60 members visited the Istanbul Jewellery Show.
- In March 2015, a delegation visited the Hong Kong Jewellery Show.
- In May 2015, a delegation visited the JCK Vegas show at USA.
Over the past ten years, GJC has played a vital role in working efficiently on all the three important verticals of Progress, Protection and Promotion of trade. It has made path breaking advances that have changed the lives of millions of people engaged in this profession. All projects listed above are a testimony of the dedicated efforts of the GJC.
All who represent GJC have one thing in common — selfless service. GJC has attained the coveted status of the single largest national trade body. Today, GJC is proud to state that it has the well-being of fellow jewellers at its heart and will continue to serve in the best possible manner and strive towards building a brighter and better tomorrow for the industry. It is also privileged to have the trust and faith of the entire jewellery fraternity across the country.
We look forward for your continued support.
Team GJC.
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