Jewellers to strike from tomorrow
Posted on: 01/Apr/2016 2:16:30 PM
Jewellers have decided to close their shops in order to protest against the proposed 1 per cent excise duty (without CENVAT credit) or 12.5 per cent (with CENVAT credit) on non-silver jewellery. More than 3 lakh jewelers including manufacturers and artisans were participating in the strike that began on 2nd March.
This strike was continued for 18 days. At this juncture, the government had constituted a panel under former chief economic advisor Ashok Lahri to look into demand of jewellers who are protesting against imposition of 1 per cent excise duty on non-silver jewellery items.
The panel, which has been asked to submit its report in 60 days, will look into issues related to compliance procedure for the excise duty, including records to be maintained, forms to be filled, operating procedures and other relevant issues.
Because of this, the jewellers withdrew the strike. But so far no action has been taken. In order to draw the attention of the Central government 2000 jewel merchants participated in the protest procession held in NSC Bose Road. Madras Jewellers and Diamond Merchants Association President Jayantilal Challani while speaking about this said, Coming Monday, we will be meeting the Prime Minster Narendra Modi. We have decided to strike on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Today all the jewellers will meet and decide. If this problem persists even after meeting the Prime Minister we will continue our strike.
