A token budget of Rs.1 crore has been provided in the budget of Department of Commerce during 2013-14 for the following projects of Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council:

(i) Convention Centre at Mumbai,

(ii) Gem & Jewellery Park at Mumbai,

(iii) Setting up of Common Facility Centers in Gujarat,

(iv) Setting up of Gem Bourse at Jaipur,

(v) Technology Upgradation Fund for Gem & Jewellery Sector.

Government of India has taken following measures to promote the gem and jewellery sector:-

i. Liberal financial assistance under Market Assess Initiative (MAI), Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme of the Department of Commerce.

ii. All Industry for Duty Drawback on Gold (Rs 100.70/gm) and Silver Jewellery (Rs 2590.80/kg).

iii. Abolition of licensing regime for rough diamonds.

iv. Abolition of import duty on rough diamonds, rough corals and rough coloured gemstones.

v. Import of precious metals (gold/silver/platinum) through nominated agencies .

vi. Increase in the value limit of personal carriage from US$ 2 million to US$ 5 million in case of participation in overseas exhibitions and increase in the limit in case of personal carriage, as samples, for export promotion tours, from US$ 0.1 million to US$ 1 million.

vii. Reduction in Customs duty on Rhodium from 10% to 2%.

viii. Withdrawal of levy of 1% Central Excise on both branded &  unbranded jewellery with effect from March 17, 2012.

ix. Formation of Gem & Jewellery Sector Skill Council for skill development in the sector .

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council had welcomed the decision and steps taken by the Government of India in this regard.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

DS/RK

(Release ID :95595)

Sector promotion measures expand trade liberalisation and export incentives to boost gems and jewellery competitiveness. Government announces regulatory and fiscal measures to promote the gems and jewellery sector: abolition of import duties on rough gemstones and removal of licensing for rough diamonds; continuation of duty drawback for gold and silver jewellery; reduction of certain customs duties and withdrawal of central excise on jewellery; increased personal carriage limits for samples and exhibitions; import of precious metals through nominated agencies; budgetary support for infrastructure projects; market development assistance and a Technology Upgradation Fund; and formation of a Sector Skill Council for training.