Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates IIGJ Udupi as a New Centre of Excellence for Gems & Jewellery Skills
In a major boost to India’s gem and jewellery skill development ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Udupi was inaugurated today as a new centre of excellence by Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The launch reflects the government’s continued emphasis on skilling, innovation, and employment generation within the sector.
The event was attended by Shri Kota Shrinivas Poojari, Member of Parliament; Shri Yashpal A. Suvarna, MLA, Udupi; Shri Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA, Kaup (Kapu) Assembly Constituency, Karnataka; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Mahender Tayal, Regional Chairman, Southern Region, GJEPC; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with industry leaders, students, and stakeholders.
The newly launched IIGJ Udupi centre is envisioned as a talent hub focused on promoting artisanal excellence and equipping students with industry-relevant expertise in jewellery design, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The inauguration further expands IIGJ’s national presence and highlights the industry’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said, “IIGJ Udupi is a strong example of how industry-led skilling can transform lives and create new opportunities for youth across southern India. The institute is empowering students from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and beyond with employable skills, entrepreneurial opportunities, and pathways to prosperity. As demand for skilled talent rises, IIGJ Udupi will continue to strengthen the region’s jewellery ecosystem and contribute to India’s export growth story. With the support of GJEPC, the institute has aligned its training with global market needs and evolving industry standards.”
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The inauguration of IIGJ Udupi reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening India’s gem and jewellery skill ecosystem. Over the last four years, IIGJ centres nationwide have trained more than 7,000 students, creating a strong talent pool for the industry. Today, the sector contributes nearly USD 28 billion in exports and supports over 5 million livelihoods. As the industry becomes more design-led, technology-driven, and value-added, the need for skilled professionals will continue to rise. Institutions like IIGJ are vital in sustaining India’s leadership as the supplier of choice for the world. This initiative also supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and our goal of taking gem and jewellery exports to USD 100 billion.”
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIGJ and IIT Madras (InCent-LGD). The collaboration will introduce a specialised certification programme in lab-grown diamond technologies, aimed at creating skilled professionals for this rapidly expanding sector. It will also support value-added manufacturing and strengthen India’s role in the global lab-grown diamond value chain, aligned with the Make in India and Skill India initiatives.
Speaking on the sector’s transformation and future opportunities, Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “With expanding global opportunities, strong domestic demand, and increasing focus on innovation, the industry is entering a new phase of growth. Investments in skilling and education through institutions like IIGJ will be essential to sustaining India’s leadership in the global gem and jewellery industry.”
Aligned with the government’s Skill India mission and schemes such as PM Vishwakarma Yojana, IIGJ has been widening access to structured training for grassroots artisans and aspiring professionals. The institute currently offers over 40 specialised programmes, including degree courses, diplomas, and postgraduate programmes, supported by strong industry linkages and placement outcomes.
The new Udupi centre is expected to play a significant role in the next phase of industry growth while empowering youth, artisans, and entrepreneurs from the region to participate in India’s expanding gem and jewellery opportunity.