Jaipur, Jul 19 (KNN)  Gem and jewellery exporters demand removal of import duty on cut and polished gemstones in order to boost trade. 

"We have been constantly demanding abolition of import duty on cut and polished gemstone.  The duty exemption will provide relief to manufactures also help in boosting the trade prospects,” said a media report, quoting chairman of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Vipul Shah.

He was also of the opinion that the government should address certain issues including the import duty on cut and polished gemstones which have been casting adverse impact on the local industry.     

The total export of cut and polished diamonds during the years 2011-12 and 2012-13 (April-December) witnessed a decline of 17 per cent and 36 per cent respectively.

As the imposition of 2 per cent import duty on cut and polished diamonds has affected trade, the traders have been asking for duty-free import quota for cut and polished diamonds to the tune of 15 per cent of the previous 3 year’s average.

Further, the diamond industry too has been experiencing a crisis of skilled labourers just as many sectors across the states.  The industry has therefore urged the government to come up with more training programmes and vocational courses, and prepare training manuals for job functions so that more employment is created in the sector.

Currently, GJEPC is working closely with various industry stakeholders for skill development and promotion which is an integrated part towards growth. 
The gems and jewellery export industry employs 1.5 million people and out of 15 types of diamonds traded in the world, 14 get polished in the country.  (SD/KNN)