- Friday, November 15, 2024
With model code of conduct in force, jewellers claim their goods and bank accounts are being seized by officials despite having relevant papers
By: Shajil Kumar
JEWELLERS are facing challenges in doing hassle-free business during the peak wedding season, which has coincided with the Maharashtra Assembly polls this year, as their goods and bank accounts are being seized by officials despite having relevant papers, an industry body said.
The Model Code Conduct (MCC) is in place in Maharashtra since October 15 in view of the polls on November 20. To enforce the code, the Election Commission (EC) has constituted flying squads and surveillance teams across the state to check movement of unaccounted cash and goods which can be used to induce voters.
“We have received clarity from the EC office regarding movement of goods and we are thankful to them. However, jewellers are still facing challenges like seizing of their accounts despite showing all the necessary documents, which are hindering seamless business during the wedding season,” All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) chairman Saiyam Mehra told PTI.
He said the goods seized by officials working on EC direction will only be returned after the elections are over.
Mehra stated that the gems and jewellery industry, a major job creator, is expecting incentives and tax concessions in Maharashtra, a key market for them, when a new government is formed after announcement of poll results on November 23.
“The gems and jewellery industry in Maharashtra is expecting a significant growth post-elections and we will be making a representation before the government to create more jewellery parks and CFCs (Common Facility Centres). Also, employment generation should be a priority,” he noted.
“We are urging for relief in electricity charges that are provided for jewellery parks and CFCs to boost the industry, which is one of the top employment generators in the state,” Mehra added.
The GJC chairman emphasised it is important to promote gem and jewellery business among tourists visiting Maharashtra by reducing the state GST (goods and services tax) to 0.5 per cent from the current 1.5 per cent.
GJC vice-chairman Rajesh Rokde, echoing similar views, said the industry needs a separate nodal officer to address the issues it faces.
Currently, he said, in case of any issues faced by the industry, “We have to go to multiple departments, home, finance, among others, for resolution, which leads to wastage of time and causes adverse impact on business”.
Talking about local issues, India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) national spokesperson Kumar Jain said the government must improve infrastructure in Zaveri Bazaar, a major hub for jewellery industry in south Mumbai, saying the area has become very congested and people find it difficult to visit it.
The law and order situation in the area (Zaveri Bazaar) is poor and “the state government needs to be stringent as we are handling very expensive goods”, he said.
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council chairman Vipul Shah said the Maharashtra government has always been very supportive of the industry.
“We have always been supported by the Maharashtra government, especially while setting up the Jewellery Park (in Mumbai). We hope to receive the same level of support from the new government,” he added. (PTI)
