GJC Urges to Postpone Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery
The government had earlier set the deadline as beginning of June this year.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The All India Gem Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) - the jewellery sector trade body in the country, has urged the Department of Consumer Affairs to put off mandatory hallmarking. The GJC has called for postponement of the deadline for mandatory hallmarking for gold jewellery by one year. The government had earlier set the deadline as beginning of June this year.
According to GJC, only 245 out of the total 733 districts in the country have assaying and hallmarking centres (A&H Centres). It noted that the number of such centres is quite inadequate and urged the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to set up at least one A&H Centre in each district. Furthermore, it desires to have proper accredited, fully functional centres with proper infrastructure and trained personnel.
ALSO READ: First Gold Assaying and Hallmarking Centre in Kashmir Started Operations
As per BIS data, a total of 31,585 jewellers have registered through 940 A&H centres in 245 districts across the country. The centres are concentrated in and around urban areas, whereas rural areas are said to have limited access. There are several states which do not even have an A&H centre. Hence, the government should postpone the decision by at least a year, until the proper infrastructure is in place, GJC said.