Mumbai: Jewellers are facing challenges in doing hassle-free business during the peak wedding season, which has coincided with the Maharashtra Assembly polls this year, as their goods and bank accounts are being seized by officials despite having relevant papers, an industry body said.
The Model Code Conduct (MCC) is in place in Maharashtra since October 15 in view of the polls on November 20. To enforce the code, the Election Commission (EC) has constituted flying squads and surveillance teams across the state to check movement of unaccounted cash and goods which can be used to induce voters.
“We have received clarity from the EC office regarding movement of goods and we are thankful to them. However, jewellers are still facing challenges like seizing of their accounts despite showing all the necessary documents, which are hindering seamless business during the wedding season,” All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) chairman Saiyam Mehra told PTI.
He said the goods seized by officials working EC direction will only be returned after the elections are over.
The GJC chairman emphasised it is important to promote gem and jewellery business among tourists visiting Maharashtra by reducing the state GST (goods and services tax) to 0.5 per cent from the current 1.5 per cent.
“We will request the new government to give relief in SGST for international tourists returning to their respective countries from Maharashtra. We are also representing the concern of GST on job work, in which we are hopeful we shall get support from the Maharashtra government,” he said.
Overall, the outlook for the gems and jewellery industry in Maharashtra post-election is promising, with a focus on domestic growth and government support, Mehra noted.
GJC vice-chairman Rajesh Rokde, echoing similar views, said the industry needs a separate nodal officer to address the issues it faces.
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