States » EastPosted at: Sep 30 2026 11:02PM


Bengal plans recognised training degrees for jewellery artisans

Kolkata, Sep 30 (UNI) With West Bengal traditionally serving as a crucial hub of skilled manpower for the jewellery industry, the state government is considering introducing recognised training degrees for aspiring craftsmen through industrial training institutes (ITIs) under a private partnership model.
According to Higher Education, Technical Education, Training and Skill Development Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, the state government has identified the jewellery industry as one of its priority sectors and included a member of the jewellery industry in the task force for implementation of the National Education Policy in the state.
Speaking at a gems and jewellery summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the minister said, "There is an ongoing short-term training programme for gems and jewellery artisans. Under the programme, 1,000 trainees have been certified while 1,500 have been absorbed in the industry."
"Like cricket, yoga and Ayurveda, Indian gems and jewellery is a soft power to reach out globally. To strengthen this soft power, artisans of Bengal have to play a crucial role. We want industry members to utilise the government ITIs for five years and work on the financial model of 2:1," Chattopadhyay added.
Urging members of the gold industry, the minister suggested that traders reap the benefits of the PM SETU scheme.
"I invite the gems and jewellery industry to come forward and establish a Skill University for the sector in West Bengal. The government will extend its full cooperation, including facilitating the necessary space and institutional support. We also want the industry to work with government ITIs and participate in apprenticeships, internships and industry-led training," said the minister.
The Indian counterpart of the World Gold Council has also proposed to fund a dedicated Skill University for aspiring artisans in the gems and jewellery industry in the state. It has also proposed setting up a Karigars' Park in West Bengal.
Notably, to boost the gems and jewellery sector in the state, the government and industry members are emphasising the overall development of artisans and craftsmen.
"To provide short-term solutions, the artisans are now being provided with insurance facilities from our association," said Suvankar Sen, a member of the task force on implementation of the NEP in the state.
"Also, through training under the National Apprenticeship Scheme by the government, young workers are being trained and absorbed in the industry. We are also encouraging master artisans in Domjur and Midnapore to take in young artisans who could be trained. We are also in talks with the state government to make the profession of artisans a recognised one by providing degrees. As part of the long-term plans, discussions are being held to set up a dedicated university for aspiring artisans," Sen said.
Meanwhile, the Indian International Bullion Exchange has also decided to open a vault in the city by this Diwali.
"IIBX is set to open its own vault at Manikam SEZ in Kolkata by Diwali, enabling jewellers in Bengal to take delivery locally instead of sourcing it from Chennai or GIFT City. With nearly 50 qualified jewellers and TRQ holders already associated with IIBX in Bengal, this will bring the exchange's bullion delivery infrastructure closer to the region's jewellery trade," said Ashok Gautam, MD and Chief Executive Officer of the Indian International Bullion Exchange (IIBX). UNI NN NST CDS
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