The Hindu Business Line : TN goldsmiths oppose rapid mechanisation

TRADITIONAL goldsmiths are up in arms against creeping mechanisation in jewellery industry which they fear is shrinking the employment opportunities to them.

The artisans here under an umbrella organisation — Federation of Goldsmiths and Artisans — on Tuesday observed fast to press their demands including levy of excise duty on factories producing gold jewellery and introduction of a licence system.

The federation members said jewellery-making had been a traditional occupation for goldsmiths and these were handcrafted and they reflected the rich artistic tradition of the country.

From being a mass-occupation, jewellery-making had become sophisticated because of mechanisation using foreign machines at huge investments.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section
Dumping duty delay irks tile companies

Plan panel faults Centre for States' profligacy

US recovery will be subdued

Naidu takes on critics of AP fiscal policy

Customs self-declaration likely for electronic parts import

Machine tool makers seek excise duty cut

Bid to boost trade with West Africa

Slide in petro consumption slows

Bengal turns to ballads to check power thefts

ICICI Infotech launches Orion