GJF's dismay on hallmarking of jewellery

Hyderabad, Dec 20 (UNI) The Gem and Jewellery Federation (GJF), the national body of the jewellery trade in the country, today expressed dismay over the ''government's disregard for ground realities''on the mandatory hallmarking, which will be implemented in the metropolitan cities from January one next.

In a statement here, GJF Director H Mohanlal said though the federation would assist the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the smooth implementation of hallmarking in the country, it was against mandatory licensing.

He said BIS licensing would indirectly result in reintroduction of the Licensing Raj in an era when the provisions for compulsory licensing have gradually been eliminated in all the other sectors.

This would hamper the growth of the industry.

The infrastructure required for compulsory hallmarking was inadequate, claiming there were 25 hallmarking centres in the four metros against an estimated requirement of 500 centres.

Mr Mohanlal said the legislation should not be enforced until adequate infrastructure facilities are made available.

UNI