K. Surendran, State President of the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA), has urged the central government to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on gold from the current 3% to 1%. Speaking at the inauguration of the AKGSMA Ernakulam District Committee meeting, K. Surendran pointed out that the current GST rate, introduced when gold prices hovered around Rs.20,000, is disproportionately high now that gold has crossed Rs.79,000 per 10 grams.

“Consumers are now forced to pay more than Rs.2,500 in GST alone for purchasing gold. This has become a significant burden, especially on the common man,” said Surendran. He also demanded the introduction of Equated Monthly Installments (EMI) options for gold ornament purchases, which would make it more accessible to middle and lower-income families

The meeting was presided over by Cyriac V. Joseph, who also serves as the newly elected General Secretary of the Ernakulam District Committee. Prominent state-level leaders including AKGSMA General Secretary Adv. S. Abdul Nazar, Treasurer C.V. Krishnadas, Working President P.K. Ayamuhaji, and Working General Secretaries B. Premanand and M. Vineeth addressed the gathering.

Free Gold Ear Piercing Event on September 17

In a unique community outreach initiative, the AKGSMA Ernakulam District Committee announced that it will organize a Free Gold Ear Piercing Ceremony (Kathukuthi Kammalidal) on September 17. As part of the event, gold earrings will be provided completely free of cost to children.

Parents of eligible children are requested to register in advance by contacting:

• District General Secretary Cyriac V. Joseph at 99958 30328
• District Treasurer Sameer Fathoom at 77369 99997

New Office Bearers Elected for AKGSMA Ernakulam District Committee

During the meeting, the following office bearers were elected to lead the Ernakulam District Committee of AKGSMA:

• President: Shafiq A. (AGD Gold and Diamonds, Kochi)
• General Secretary: Cyriac V. Joseph (Cyriac Diamonds)
• Treasurer: Sameer Fathoom
• Working President: Benny Kuriakose (Abhishekam)
• Vice Presidents: Shihab (Nakshatra) and Job T.R
• Secretaries: Arun Sangeet and Shaan Alain

The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of gold and silver merchants across Kerala while also promoting customer-friendly initiatives and transparency in the sector.