Finance Minister's message to Jewelers

Pranab Mukherjee - Finance Minister of India addresses Jewelers' issues.

I received a recorded call from our former GJF chairman, Shri Vinod Hayagriv who was, I believe, present in the meeting with finance minister yesterday. I would like to share the message with the jewelry community as many might not yet be GJF members & may still be unaware of the updates.

The Finance Minister was kind to meet with us (jewelers) on a public holiday. He also reiterated that it was not his intention to disturb the jewelry business but rather he would like to see the business boom. The Finance Minister has assured us that the proposed Excise Duty & Consumer Tax will be taken back. Due to Parliamentary regulations, he can formally announce it only in the Parliament session which begins on May 11, 2012. He has also requested us to stop the protest & agitation & continue with our daily routines & business peacefully. We (GJF) request you to resume business & to not protest against the same in any manner whatsoever.

P.S. : That is the crux of the message he gave, exact words may have been different.

Please resume your work & let us hope for a bright future with the sparkle of diamonds & the beauty of Rubies.