ShowBuzz
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi attends GJS to celebrate 25 years of gold jewellery hallmarking in India
Announces Hackathon for non-destructive testing in collaboration with BIS and GJC
The Indian gems and jewellery industry witnessed a momentous occasion as Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, graced the prestigious GJS at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of hallmarking of gold in India, a significant milestone in ensuring quality, transparency, and consumer trust in the industry. The show is organised by the apex industry All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) and scheduled from 4th to 7th April 2025.
Addressing the gathering, Pralhad Joshi applauded the efforts of jewellers in adopting hallmarking, which has played a crucial role in protecting consumer interests while strengthening India’s position as a trusted market for gold jewellery. He highlighted the government’s commitment to further streamlining hallmarking regulations to make compliance easier for jewellers and beneficial for consumers. Prominent jewellers and trade representatives took the stage to celebrate the success of hallmarking, reflecting on how the initiative has safeguarded buyers and boosted India’s exports in the global jewellery market.
The event saw participation from leading jewellers, industry stakeholders, and international visitors, making it a highly successful gathering.
Pralhad Joshi remarked, “Indian Gems & Jewellery industry has been a cornerstone of our nation’s heritage and will continue to drive the economic progress. There are 650 + owned and accredited Laboratories of BIS, and it has reached every corner of the nation to focus in ensuring quality products are given to the consumers. It is imperative that we develop the system to ensure there are no misuses of HUID and collectively with joint efforts from all stakeholders, we also focus on increasing the Assaying Hallmarking Centres (AHC) across India. Currently 361 districts are covered in the mandatory regime and let us jointly target to reach 500 districts this year. We firmly believe in Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of ease of business and the Ministry is willing to provide its full support to the industry and I am happy to announce that BIS in collaboration with GJC is launching National Hackathon to invite innovative and practical solutions to develop scalable, cost-effective & non-destructive testing for the gold jewellery.”
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, remarked, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, to this grand occasion. Your presence reflects the government’s continued support for our industry, and we deeply thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us. We, as an industry, take immense pride in our transparency and the legacy of trust that our gold, vouched for by generations, represents. Today, we look forward to the government recognizing us with a fresh perspective—as a trading community with a positive attitude and a vision to make hallmarking mandatory across the nation. Honourable Minister’s announcement of Hackathon today marks a new chapter in our journey, and we are extremely positive about the future. Together, we will continue to uphold purity, trust, and innovation for a brighter tomorrow.”
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, commented, “On behalf of the GJC and the entire G&J Industry, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Shri Pralhad Joshi for celebrating 25 years of gold hallmarking in India with his esteemed presence at our exhibition GJS. His presence highlights the transformation of the Gem & Jewellery industry into a trusted and well-structured sector. We deeply appreciate his announcement of the groundbreaking hackathon with GJC and BIS, aimed at developing non-destructive testing for hallmarking jewellery. This initiative will revolutionize the industry, enhancing efficiency and consumer confidence. His support inspires us to make India a global leader in the Gems & Jewellery sector. Thank you for your invaluable contributions toward a brighter future.”
Saiyam Mehra, Convenor, GJS, said, “It is my distinct honour to welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, to the grand occasion of GJS 2025. This is truly a special moment for the 7th edition of GJS as we celebrate the 25 years of hallmarking in India with the Honourable Minister. As we move forward, this milestone reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of purity and trust, ensuring continued prosperity for both jewellers and consumers.”
The much-anticipated BIJS 2025 commenced with a warm welcome at the Main Gate, followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting. The inaugural program opened with a welcome note, the National Anthem, and the traditional Lamp Lighting, marking an auspicious start to the event.
Kranti Nagvekar, Founder of KNC Services, delivered the Welcome Address, setting an inspiring and professional tone for a day celebrating craftsmanship, innovation, and leadership within the jewellery and bullion industry.
Kranti Nagvekar, Founder of KNC Services, delivered the Welcome Address, setting a vibrant tone for a day dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and leadership in the jewellery and bullion industry.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The exhibition was honoured by the presence of eminent industry leaders:
- Chief Guest: Subir Sen, Director – B.C. Sen Jewellers
- Guests of Honour:
- Suvro Chandra, Joint Managing Director – P C Chandra Jewellers
- Mohd. Ishrat, Mustafa’s PTE Ltd (felicitated by Ravi Karel)
- Chetan Kumar Mehta, President – IBJA (Jewellery Division) / President – JAB / CMD – Laxmi Diamonds, Bangalore
Key representatives from prominent associations also graced the occasion, included:
Deepak Soni, President – Burrabazar Bullion Gems & Jewellery Association;
Tagar Poddar, General Secretary – Bangiya Swarna Shilpi Samiti; Alok Adhya, Chairman – Howrah Jewellery Traders Welfare Association; Pankaj Parekh; Pramod Duggar; Suneel Potdar; Sandeep Kulthia.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The event’s highlight was the conferring of the Lifetime Achievement Award on Samar Kumar De, Working President of SSBC, honoring his remarkable contributions to the industry. The award was jointly presented by Subir Sen, Suvro Chandra, Deepak Soni, and Sandeep Kulthia.
Durga Awards
The prestigious Durga Awards celebrated outstanding achievers in the jewellery sector:
- Sohini Roy – Bengal Jewellery LLP
(felicitated by Suvro Chandra and Mr. Mohd. Ishrat) - Pushpalata Suryawanshi – Director, Vicky Jewellery Works
(felicitated by Chetan Kumar Mehta and Mr. Deepak Soni) - Rupa Kundu – Jashomati Mahanam Jewellers
(felicitated by Subir Sen and Mr. Samar Kumar De)
These honours recognized their dedication, excellence, and significant contributions to the industry.
Exhibition Highlights
BIJS 2025 also announced the Design Competition and Karigar Awards, offering a prominent stage for artisans to showcase their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The event concluded with a heartfelt Thank You Address by Sandeep Kulthia, marking a celebration of innovation, talent, and leadership across the jewellery and bullion community.
BIJS 2025 once again reaffirmed its stature as a premier platform spotlighting brilliance, creativity, and industry leadership.
GJEPC Conducts Intensive Training for Customs Officials in Kolkata to Strengthen Gem & Jewellery Appraisal
GJEPC & BDB Host High-Impact Customs Open House as Trade Flags Critical Valuation & Procedural Challenges
WGC Outlook 2026: Geopolitics, Growth Risks and Rate Shifts to Steer Gold’s Next Move
WGC Outlook 2026: Geopolitics, Growth Risks and Rate Shifts to Steer Gold’s Next Move
GJEPC Conducts Intensive Training for Customs Officials in Kolkata to Strengthen Gem & Jewellery Appraisal
GJEPC & BDB Host High-Impact Customs Open House as Trade Flags Critical Valuation & Procedural Challenges
-
International News6 hours agoWGC Outlook 2026: Geopolitics, Growth Risks and Rate Shifts to Steer Gold’s Next Move
-
National News5 hours agoGJEPC Conducts Intensive Training for Customs Officials in Kolkata to Strengthen Gem & Jewellery Appraisal
-
National News6 hours agoGJEPC & BDB Host High-Impact Customs Open House as Trade Flags Critical Valuation & Procedural Challenges
-
National News7 hours agoGJEPC Delhi Outreach Boosts Clarity on Bullion Procurement & MSME Support
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.