IIGJ opens jewellery training centre in Ratnagiri with GJEPC and Government of Maharashtra

The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery opened a training and skill centre in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra on September 24 with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Government of Maharashtra to keep the state at the forefront of India’s gem and jewellery industry.

“The gem and jewellery industry is far more than just luxury and aesthetics; it is a crucial economic engine that significantly contributes to a country’s economy,” said the Government of Maharashtra’s minister of industries Uday Samant, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council reported. “I am grateful to the GJEPC for initiating the training and skilling centre in Ratnagiri. Although it started on a small scale, I am optimistic that it will evolve into a major institute in the coming years. The youth of Ratnagiri and neighbouring districts will play a pivotal role in the growth of India’s gem and jewellery industry.”
 
The IIGJ’s inauguration was also attended by the Ratnagiri district connector Devender Singh, Zilla Parishad’s CEO Kirthi Kiran Pujar, and IIGJ’s CEO Debasish Biswas among others. The institute’s creation is in line with the government’s plan to give skill training to 20 lakh Indian youths over the coming five years.
 
“The growth and success of the gem and jewellery sector will heavily depend on skilled manpower,” said the GJEPC’s vice chairman Kirit Bhansali. “Institutes like IIGJ Ratnagiri and other IIGJs across India will play a crucial role in equipping our youth with the necessary skills to meet this rising demand and drive the industry’s future growth… Maharashtra plays a pivotal role in India’s gem and jewellery sector, contributing 70% of India’s total gem and jewellery exports of USD 32 billion in FY 2023-24. With initiatives like the India-UAE CEPA and other free trade agreements, the industry will see further growth in the coming years.”