Centre to promote Gems trade in NE region

Aizawl, Apr 30 (UNI) With an aim to tap the potential of rich Gem stones in the northeast region, Union Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) would be setting up various 'Lepidiary' (identifing the quality of gems) training Centres across the region.

Talking to UNI, GJEPC Chairman of eastern region Pankaj Parek said this project aims to train the young entrepreneurs in the NE region to curtail the low quality of gems coming, especially from the Myanmar region.

''There are about 37 different variety of precious gem stones that have been identified in these areas'', he stated.

He added that the Union Ministry of Commerce has agreed to fund the training programme in the region, which would be a part of their 'Look East' policy.

Mr Parek also mentioned that the training programme would benefit thousands of firms in the country involved in the gems and jewellery business.

''With the help of North Eastern Council (NEC), a group of GJEPC team would be conducting a study tour across NE next month, especially in the Indo-Myanmar border region, to setup training centres'', he said adding ''a comprehensive blue-print on the project would be submitted to the Commerce Ministry for immediate funding''.

According to Mr Parek, GJEPC has already started one such training programme for about 20 students to tackle the illegal miners in Orissa.

''The training programme was inagurated by Orissa Chief Minister Navin Patnaik last December and we are getting huge response from the youngsters'', he said.

GJEPC has also decided to set up the second 'Lepidiary' training programme in Manikanchan park, the jewellery hub, in Kolkata.

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