Jewellers on Monday decided to continue their pan-India strike for an indefinite period against the budget proposal to impose 1 per cent excise duty, despite the Centre’s assurance that it would look into the issue.
“We have met more than 358 associations affiliated with Gems and Jewellery Federation (GJF), consisting of over 3 lakh manufacturers, retainers, artisans, among others, who have collectively decided to extend the strike indefinitely, till we get some positive announcement from the government,” All India GJF chairman Sreedhar G.V told reporters in Mumbai.
“We urge the government to withdraw the proposal. Our protest continues till the government takes cognisance of our views and acts favourably,” he added.
Jewellers have been on a strike since March 2, protesting against the proposed excise duty imposition on non-silver jewellery items made in the budget as well mandatory quoting of PAN by customers for transaction of Rs 2 lakh and above.
Representatives of GJF on March 4 met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to press for their demands.
After the meeting, GJF had said Mr. Jaitley has assured that he will look into their grievances.
