National News
Grand unveiling of GJIIF 2025 in Chennai
Formal inauguration by Pramod Agarwal Derewala
Gem & Jewellery India International Fair (GJIIF) 2025 was unveiled at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The show was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri. Pramod Agarwal ‘Derewala’, Chairman- Derewala Industries and Chairman- National Gems & Jewellery Council of India in the presence of Jayantilal Challani, President, The Jewellers And Diamond Traders Association – Madras.
Present at the inauguration were distinguished guests: Sabarinath, President, Tamil Nadu Jewellers Federation, Santha Kumar, Secretary, MJDTA, Yogesh, Treasurer MJDTA, Ravindran, Secretary, TNJF, Manoharan, Treasurer, TNJF, Shantilal, State Chief, Andhra Association, Chetan Kumar Mehta, President, Jewellers Association, Bengaluru, Surendran, AKGSMA.
Distinguished overseas Visitor Partners from Malaysia present were Datuk Abdul Rasull Bin Abdul Razak, President, Malaysia Indian Goldsmith and Jewellers Association, Dato Wira Louis Ng, President, Malaysia Gold Association. Also present was Wan Ahmad Tarmizi, Trade Consul, Malaysian Consulate -Trade Section. Representing United Exhibitions were VK Manoj, Project Director, United Exhibitions, Mohandas, CEO, United Exhibitions
National News
Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) Has Proposed A Two-Track System To Manage Gold More Efficiently
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce gold imports and foreign travel, major Indian bullion and jewellery bodies have submitted a new plan to the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The strategy aims to lower the nation’s trade deficit by tapping into the estimated 30,000 tonnes of gold sitting in Indian households.
This move comes after India’s gold imports jumped 24% to a record $71.9 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, with over 721 tonnes of gold brought into the country.
The New Strategy: Two Separate Systems
The Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) has proposed a two-track system to manage gold more efficiently:
- For Exporters:Â Imported gold should be strictly saved for jewellery exporters using one-year Gold Metal Loans (GML).
- For Local Buyers:Â Domestic demand should be met entirely by recycling household gold. This gold would be collected from citizens, refined locally, and sold back through jewellers and retailers.
Under this plan, people who deposit their idle gold could earn 2% to 2.5% interest, while businesses taking gold loans would pay an interest rate of 3% to 4%.
Fixing Why Past Schemes Failed
Previous government gold schemes failed to gain traction primarily because they left out local jewellers and lacked a proper banking structure. Without a joined-up system, institutions faced high financial risks from changing gold prices.
To fix this, trade bodies are calling for a complete system that includes:
- Direct involvement of trusted local jewellers. The schemes did not take off in the past because jewellers were not part of them. About 10% to 20% of family gold is held as bars or coins.
- Strong bank backing and secure storage vaults across the country.
- Tax incentives, such as removing the 3% GST loss when physical gold is converted into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), and offering income tax relief on the interest earned.
Industry Support
Industry experts say a smooth system is already possible. Collection and purity testing centres have confirmed that collected household gold can be processed within 48 hours and safely moved to secure, bank-approved vaults.
Representatives from the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) recently held discussions with RBI officials to fast-track these changes.
Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
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Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
P N Gadgil Jewellers Reports Record FY26 Revenue Of  ₹ 1,07,391 Million; Revenue Surges 39.6% YoY And PAT Grows 87.8%
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National News22 minutes agoGold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
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National News21 hours agoP N Gadgil Jewellers Reports Record FY26 Revenue Of  ₹ 1,07,391 Million; Revenue Surges 39.6% YoY And PAT Grows 87.8%
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National News19 hours agoKimberley Process Intersessional 2026 Concludes In Mumbai Under India’s Chairship With Focus On Future Of Natural Diamond Sector
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International News22 minutes agoMassive 11,000-Carat Ruby Uncovered In Myanmar
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