On November 18, 2023, a conference on different plans for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the gems and jewelry sector was held in Jaipur. Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, presided over the seminar, which was co-organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the National Gems and Jewellery Council of India (NGJCI).
The seminar’s goal was to raise awareness and educate members of the gems and jewelry sector on the benefits and procedures for applying for MSME schemes. Shri Pradeep Ojha, Joint Director, MSME-DI, Jaipur, provided an overview of the various schemes, including the Participation in International Exhibitions (PMS) scheme, International Cooperation (IC) scheme, Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme, and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) scheme.
Shri Nirmal Bardiya, GJEPC Rajasthan Regional Chairman, requested that the Ministry of MSME consider increasing the number of exhibitors cap under the PMS scheme from the current 60, reducing the number cap in the IC scheme to help members participate in international exhibitions, and providing more support and incentives to the gems and jewellery sector.
The Jewellers Association Jaipur, the Sitapura Gems and Jewellery Industry Association, and the Jaipur Jewellery Show all supported the seminar. It was attended by more than 170 industry participants.