Amritsar, August 9 (K.L. Jit Walia) — The All India Swarnkar Sangh, representing goldsmiths, jewellers and artisans across the country, has put forward six major demands before the Central Government. National President of the Sangh Kashmir Singh Rajput has written to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, seeking effective measures to address issues related to the gold trade and the jewellery industry.
The memorandum has also been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
Six Major Demands of the Sangh
1. Separate Ministry for Gold
The Sangh has demanded the creation of an independent ministry to deal with matters related to the gold trade, manufacturing sector and artisans associated with the industry.
2. Review of Sections 411/412 and 317/318
The organisation has demanded a review of legal provisions that, according to it, create difficulties for honest traders, along with necessary amendments wherever required.
3. Formation of a Goldsmith Welfare Board
The Sangh has called for the establishment of a welfare board to protect the interests of artisans and small traders working in the gold and jewellery sector.
4. Security and Compensation Guarantee
In view of incidents of robbery and theft, the Sangh has demanded stronger security arrangements for traders. It has also sought a special arms-licence policy for eligible traders and appropriate compensation mechanisms.
5. Increase in Hallmarking Centres
The organisation has demanded an increase in the number of hallmarking centres across the country. It has also sought clear accountability of hallmarking centres in cases of errors or disputes.
6. Adequate Political Representation
The Sangh has demanded appropriate representation for the Swarnkar community in state legislatures, Parliament and policy-making forums.
“Not Just Assurances, Effective Action is Needed”
In its memorandum, the Sangh stated that the Swarnkar community would no longer be satisfied with assurances alone. It said effective action and appropriate policy decisions are required to resolve the long-standing problems faced by goldsmiths, jewellers and artisans.
The All India Swarnkar Sangh has urged the Central Government to seriously consider issues concerning goldsmiths, jewellers and artisans and take steps to implement the demands at the earliest.
KL JIT WALIA
