Union Minister Joshi Celebrates 25 Years of Gold Hallmarking at India Gem & Jewellery Show
The Indian gems and jewellery sector celebrated a significant milestone as Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, graced the prestigious India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS) at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
The occasion marked the 25th anniversary of gold hallmarking in India, an initiative that has transformed the industry by ensuring greater quality, transparency, and consumer trust.
Distinguished Guests and Industry Leaders:
The event welcomed several distinguished guests, including:
- Varghese Alukkas and Paul Alukkas, Managing Directors, Jos Alukkas Group
- Mallika Manoj Grandhi, Chairperson and Managing Director, Manoj Vaibhav Gems ‘N’ Jewellers Ltd
- Aksha Mohit Kamboj, National Vice President, IBJA
- Rajiv Jain, Secretary, JJS
From GJC, the leadership team included:
- Rajesh Rokde, Chairman
- Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman
- Saiyam Mehra, Convener, GJS
GJS April 2025: A Strategic Industry Platform
Timed ahead of Akshaya Tritiya and following Gudi Padwa, the GJS April 2025 show capitalized on the peak jewellery buying season, particularly weddings.
- Over 600 exhibitors showcased at more than 700 booths.
- The event drew around 15,000 visitors and supported over 2,500 hosted buyer room-nights.
Retailers benefited from a one-stop platform for sourcing jewellery directly from leading manufacturers and wholesalers.
Government’s Commitment to Quality and Ease of Business:
Addressing the gathering, Shri Pralhad Joshi applauded the jewellers’ adoption of hallmarking, emphasizing its role in protecting consumer interests and enhancing India’s global reputation in gold jewellery.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to:
- Further simplifying hallmarking regulations
- Supporting jewellers in achieving easier compliance
- Expanding the reach of Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) to 500 districts across India in 2025 (currently covering 361 districts)
Highlighting transparency and trust, he stated:
“The Indian gems and jewellery industry has been a cornerstone of our heritage. BIS laboratories now reach every corner of the nation. We must work together to prevent misuse of HUID and expand hallmarking coverage.”
Shri Joshi also announced the launch of a National Hackathon, a collaboration between BIS and GJC, aimed at developing scalable, cost-effective, and non-destructive gold testing solutions.
Industry Reaction and Future Outlook:
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, warmly welcomed the Minister and said:
“Your presence highlights the government’s ongoing support for our industry. We take immense pride in the transparency and trust that define Indian jewellery. With today’s Hackathon announcement, we are optimistic about fostering innovation, enhancing hallmarking processes, and shaping a brighter future together.”
The event underscored the shared vision between the government and industry stakeholders to uphold purity, trust, and innovation, driving the Indian gems and jewellery sector to greater heights.