TN Govt will consider jewellery industry plea for land

Chennai, Sep 20 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government will consider favourably the demand from jewellery industry, the second biggest attracting foreign exchange earnings for the country, to allot one or two acres of land for it to set up a training institute to churn out quality man power.

Speaking at the Gems and Jewellery Development Council meeting here, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said since the industry has asked for two acres of land, close to the city, that too free of cost, a decision would be taken after consulting the Centre.

''If the Centre is agreeable to the proposal, then this long pending demand of the industry will be met'', he added.

Mr Karunanidhi said he was aware that lakhs of people were working in the industry in places like Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli and Vellore. They were coming out with new designs.

With the advent of technology, demand has been growing and the training institute was a must to offer training to produce skilled workforce for the industry, he said.

On the industry's demand for waiver of procurement tax on exports of gold and diamond jewellery, Mr Karunanidhi said he would consult the Finance Secretary on whether the state was vested with enough powers on the issue.

''If so, what will be the financial burden that will fallon the state government. All these aspects will be discussed with the officials. If possible, I will concede this demand'', he added.

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