National News
Zaveri Bazaar Cluster Development Proposal Addresses Parking, Traffic Mobility, Safety, and Security For Citizens and Traders
Proposal Presented To Ravindra Chavan, The BJP’s Maharashtra President
A group of industry leaders met with Ravindra Chavan, the BJP’s Maharashtra president, to press for infrastructure and policy support aimed at revitalizing Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar. A comprehensive Cluster Development Proposal for Zaveri Bazaar was presented by Dhiraj Rajmal Baldia, Founder, Jain Bullion Gem & Jewellery Federation (JBGJF). Kanayaa Kakkad, Jt Treasurer-IBJA, presented the key focus areas, including improving parking infrastructure and enhancing traffic mobility to ensure greater safety and security for citizens and traders in the region.
The delegation—comprising senior representatives from 12 leading trade associations—presented a cluster development proposal for Zaveri Bazaar, one of India’s most prominent gold trading districts. Dhiraj Rajmal Baldia outlined the plan, which calls for upgrades to parking facilities, tighter traffic management, and enhanced security measures for traders and visitors.
Industry executives used the meeting to flag ongoing challenges, including market volatility, while emphasizing opportunities for growth. They said targeted policy intervention could help stabilize the sector and sustain momentum. Saiyam Mehra presented the GJCs’ position, while Surendra Mehta detailed concerns raised by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association, along with recommendations for reform.
Chavan signaled support for the initiative and urged the industry to submit detailed project reports to accelerate execution, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Present at the meeting were Saiyam Mehra, IPC, GJC, Vijay Agrawal, National Governing Board Director, IBJA & Director, World Silver Council; Kanayaa Kakkad, Jt Treasurer-IBJA;Surendra Mehta, National Secretary, IBJA; and the Directors of GJC – Madan Kothari, Sahil Mehra, Nilesh Shobhawat. Dhiraj Rajmal Baldia, Founder, Jain Bullion Gem & Jewellery Federation (JBGJF); Mahesh Bafna, President; Anil Pamecha, Director of MWGJA; Bharat Kothari, Director; and Anil Jain, Secretary from Shri Mumbadevi Dagina Bazaar Association; Rahul Desai, CEO & MD, IIG; Hausila Prasad Gupta, Dhanji Street Trade Association; Kishan Dagalia, Founder President; Sundarlal Sankhla, President; Rakesh Agarwal, VP; and Rajeev Agarwal, Secretary of Shri Sarafa Welfare Association, Mumbai.
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: Imported gold should be strictly saved for jewellery exporters using one-year Gold Metal Loans (GML).
- For Local Buyers: 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.
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