Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled IIGJ Udupi as a new Centre of Excellence, marking a significant milestone in India’s gem and jewellery skill development landscape and reinforcing the government’s focus on innovation, skilling, and employment generation.
Quick Summary
- IIGJ Udupi unveiled as a Centre of Excellence by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- Focus on skill development, innovation, and employment generation
- Over 7,000 students trained by IIGJ in the past four years
- MoU signed with IIT Madras for lab-grown diamond certification
- Supports India’s goal of USD 100 billion gem & jewellery exports
- Strengthens southern India’s jewellery education and training ecosystem
Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony
The ceremony 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, alongside industry members, students and stakeholders.
Vision for Skill Development and Industry Readiness
The new IIGJ Udupi centre is envisioned as a hub for nurturing talent, supporting artisanal excellence and equipping students with industry-relevant skills across jewellery design, manufacturing and emerging technologies. The inauguration further strengthens IIGJ’s growing national footprint and underscores the sector’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce.
Address by Finance Minister
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said, “IIGJ Udupi stands as a strong example of how industry-led skilling can transform lives and create 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. Through the support of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the institute has aligned its training with global market needs and evolving industry standards. As demand for skilled talent grows and India strengthens its position in global jewellery exports, institutions like IIGJ Udupi will be instrumental in nurturing talent, expanding opportunities for our youth, and driving inclusive economic growth.”
Industry Perspective from GJEPC
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “The unveiling of IIGJ Udupi reflects our continued commitment to strengthening India’s skill ecosystem for the gem and jewellery sector. In the last four years alone, IIGJ centres across the country have trained over 7,000 students, building a strong talent pool for the industry. Today, the Indian gem and jewellery sector contributes nearly USD 28 billion in exports and supports over 5 million livelihoods. As the sector evolves into a more design-led, technology-driven and value-added ecosystem, the demand for skilled professionals will only grow. Institutions like IIGJ are central to sustaining India’s leadership and maintaining its position as the supplier of choice for the world. This effort also advances the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and supports our ambition of taking gem and jewellery exports to USD 100 billion.”
MoU with IIT Madras for Lab-Grown Diamond Technologies
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) and IIT Madras (InCent-LGD). The partnership aims to launch a specialised certification programme in lab-grown diamond technologies, creating skilled and industry-ready professionals for this fast-growing sector. It will support value-added manufacturing and further strengthen India’s position in the global lab-grown diamond value chain, aligned with the vision of Make in India and Skill India.
Growth Opportunities Highlighted by Industry Leaders
Highlighting the sector’s transformation and emerging opportunities, Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said “With expanding global opportunities, strong domestic demand and growing focus on innovation, the industry is entering a new phase of growth. Investments in skilling and education through institutions like IIGJ will be critical to sustaining India’s leadership in the global gem and jewellery sector.”
Alignment with Government Skill Initiatives
Aligned with the government’s Skill India vision and initiatives such as the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, IIGJ has been expanding access to structured training for grassroots artisans and aspiring professionals. The IIGJ institute currently offers over 40 specialised programmes, including degree courses, diplomas and postgraduate programmes, with strong industry linkages and placement outcomes.
The new centre is expected to play a key role in supporting the next phase of growth while empowering youth, artisans and entrepreneurs from the region to participate in India’s expanding gem and jewellery opportunity.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10700+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
About IIGJ Udupi
IIGJ Udupi, established by GJEPC in 2017, serves as a premier centre for gems and jewellery education in southern India. Nestled in the vibrant cultural landscape of Udupi, this state-of-the-art Institute features contemporary, air-conditioned classrooms, advanced Gemmology and CAD labs and a well-equipped Manufacturing workshop, all of which are designed to foster creativity and technical excellence. With its various contemporary, jewellery industry-specific training and skilling programs, IIGJ Udupi plays a pivotal role in enhancing the local gems and jewellery industry which is known for its rich craftsmanship and heritage. IIGJ Udupi is dedicated to driving innovation and skill development in the dynamic gems and jewellery sector with well-trained and industry-ready professionals.
https://iigj.org/institutes/udupi-institute/
FAQs
What is IIGJ Udupi?
IIGJ Udupi is a premier institute for gems and jewellery education established by GJEPC, offering specialised training and skill development programs.
Who inaugurated IIGJ Udupi as a Centre of Excellence?
Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the institute.
What is the significance of the MoU with IIT Madras?
It introduces a specialised certification programme in lab-grown diamond technologies to create industry-ready professionals.
How does IIGJ contribute to the jewellery industry?
It provides industry-relevant training, supports innovation, and builds a skilled workforce for the sector.
What role does GJEPC play?
GJEPC is the apex body promoting India’s gem and jewellery exports and supporting industry growth and skill development.
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