Starting 8 New DIKSHa Centres Dalmia Bharat Foundation aims to bridge the significant skill gaps in the nation’s workforce. MUMBAI, July 15 (The CONNECT) – Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd. (DBL) has announced its plan to train 1 lakh youth by FY -30 under its flagship programme – Dalmia Institute of Knowledge and Skill Harnessing (DIKSHa). DIKSHa is dedicated to enabling skill development and sustainable livelihoods for disadvantaged youth in rural communities in India. DBF will be opening 8 new centres across India in FY 24, in addition to its existing network of 15 centers, with a cumulative training capacity of 8000 trainees. The new centres will be launched in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. The programme was initiated in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation in 2016. DBF has further expanded partnerships to include the State Skill Development Missions of Odisha and Karnataka, as well as collaborations with organizations like NABARD, NBCFDC, OSDA, BOSCH, Schneider Electric, etc. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation said, “At Dalmia Bharat we aim to create programmes for inclusive development and are committed to make a tangible impact on the lives of the marginalized communities. On the eve of World Youth Skills Day, we are happy to announce our expansion plans for DIKSHa, dedicated to empowering our youth with essential skills for a brighter future. We aim to bridge the significant skill gaps in our nation’s workforce, creating opportunities for economic empowerment and a better life. Through DIKSHa we hope to build a skilled and Atmanirbhar India.” In a country with the youngest and largest workforce in the world, India faces the challenge of significant skill gaps, with only 5% of the workforce recognized as formally skilled. Addressing this concern, DBF via DIKSHa provides placement-linked, short-term skill training to youth and women, adding them to skilled workforce for enhanced income. DIKSHa primarily focuses on training unemployed youth or youth with limited prospects by enhancing their employability through skill development. DIKSHa offers training in a wide range of areas, including healthcare, industrial sewing machine operator, assistant electrician, customer relationship management, sales and marketing, data entry operator, beauty and wellness, and unarmed security. Till date, DIKSHa has trained 11647 individuals successfully with more than 8271 individuals placed in gainful employment, earning monthly wages ranging from INR 8,000 to INR 20,000.

Indian jewellers can import gold jewellery only through the UAE under the CEPA agreement after paying the required import duty.

MUMBAI, July 17 (The CONNECT) –  The new new restrictions on gold imports, specifically targeting the import of gold jewellery from ASEAN and SouthEast Asia, augurs well for the domestic industry, trade representatives say.

This strategic move aims to strengthen the Indian jewellery industry by curbing the disproportionate import of bullion compared to jewellery and fostering local manufacturing capabilities, they say.

Saiyam Mehra, Chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), highlighted the significant disparity between bullion and jewellery imports, stating, “India imports bullion to the tune of 600-800 tonnes per annum, which is substantially higher than jewellery. India does not import gold jewellery through official sources due to a 25% import duty. The import duty on ASEAN countries was ‘zero’, which resulted in India’s import of gold jewellery to the tune of more than 3.5 tonnes valued at $112.09 million in April-May 2023, of which $76.28 million came from Indonesia. Now, the restriction will stop such imports and enable jewellery retailers to manufacture all gold ornaments locally.”

It is heard that the previous practice of importing ornaments for melting in local refineries and selling bullion for higher profits due to duty differentials has raised concerns within the industry. This practice not only affects domestic revenue but also poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of 70-80 lakh (7-8 million) local artisans.

Saiyam Mehra further emphasized the urgent need to discourage the sale of bullion obtained from imported jewellery. He noted that such practices leave only liaisoning jobs for the local markets and pose a grave risk of rendering numerous local artisans jobless.

Rajesh Rokde, Vice Chairman of the GJC, added, “With the current change, jewellery imports from ASEAN countrries have been restricted. Now, Indian jewellers can import gold jewellery only through the UAE under the CEPA agreement after paying the required import duty.”

These measures are expected to bolster the growth of the Indian jewellery industry, empowering local manufacturers to produce a wide range of gold ornaments domestically. By reducing reliance on imports, the government aims to create a favorable environment for the development of local artisans and safeguard their employment opportunities. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) welcomes the government’s decision to impose restrictions on gold imports and stands united with the Indian jewellery industry in its efforts to nurture self-sufficiency and preserve the rich heritage of Indian jewellery craftsmanship.

The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) represents lakhs of trade constituents comprising manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, laboratories, gemologists, designers and allied services to the domestic gems & jewellery industry. The Council functions with the objective to address the industry, its functioning, and its cause with a 360° approach to promote and progress its growth, while protecting the industry’s interests. GJC, since the last 15 years, has been serving as a bridge between the government and the trade by undertaking various initiatives on behalf of and for the industry.