All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Announces New Leadership
3rd January 2025
All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), the apex body representing the Indian gem and jewellery industry, is pleased to announce that Mr Rajesh Rokde has been elected as the new Chairman and Mr Avinash Gupta the new Vice Chairman of the council. This is confirmed during the council’s first Board Meeting of the COA 2025 – 26 post completion of their COA elections held in December 2024.
Mr Rajesh Rokde: The New Chairman
Mr. Rajesh Rokde, from the esteemed Rokde Jewellers in Nagpur, upholds a remarkable legacy of over 100 years in the jewellery industry. Representing the Large Retailers category in GJC, he has distinguished himself through an unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer trust—the hallmarks of his family’s renowned brand.
His proactive leadership as Vice Chairman and Legal Committee Convener has significantly benefited the jewellery industry by addressing critical issues such as GST for the Gems and Jewellery sector, import duty, hallmarking, 411, and many other pivotal matters. He has made numerous representations to government officials to resolve these challenges, and his timely actions have consistently brought positive outcomes for the industry.
Mr Rajesh Rokde, a stalwart in the jewellery industry with decades of experience, takes over as the Chairman. Known for his visionary leadership and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector, Mr. Rokde aims to drive initiatives that will strengthen the domestic market, promote innovation, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian jewellery.
Mr Rajesh Rokde, Chairman GJC, stated:
“I am deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of leading GJC at this pivotal time. The Indian gem and jewellery industry stands at the cusp of transformation, and it is our mission to work collectively towards sustainable growth, increased consumer trust, and greater recognition on the global stage. I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders to achieve our shared vision.”
Mr Avinash Gupta: The Vice Chairman
Mr Avinash Gupta, based in Hyderabad from Mamraj Mussadilal Jewellers, is a renowned personality of the Gems and Jewellery Industry, and many years, he has played a pivotal role in GJC during his tenure from 2016-2022. His proactive approach in legal and compliance issues has benefited the industry significantly, for example, GST for Gems and Jewellery Industry, import duty, and many other critical matters.
Mr Gupta has also played a lead role by representing GJC in delegations to Shanghai, London, and Turkey to study Gold Exchanges to set up IIBX, and he has been instrumental in many other prominent initiatives of the industry.
Mr Avinash Gupta, a respected name in the industry and a long-standing member of GJC, has been elected as the Vice Chairman. Mr Gupta brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to fostering innovation and excellence across the sector.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr Avinash Gupta said:
“It is a privilege to serve as the Vice Chairman of GJC. Together with Mr Rokde and our dedicated COA team, I am confident that we can address the challenges faced by the industry and pave the way for new opportunities. Our focus will remain on driving ethical practices, embracing technological advancements, and ensuring the growth of small and medium enterprises in this sector.”
Outgoing Chairman’s Message
Outgoing Chairman, Mr Saiyam Mehra, who will now take the position as Immediate Past Chairman, also shared his thoughts on the leadership transition, stating:
“It has been an incredible journey serving as the Chairman of GJC. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from championing the interests of the industry to driving initiatives that have strengthened GJC and our community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Rajesh Rokde and Mr. Avinash Gupta, and I am confident that their leadership will take GJC to new heights. I will continue to support the Council and the industry in every possible way.”
Key Areas of Focus for the New Leadership Team
The new leadership team aims to focus on key areas such as skill development, promoting ‘Make in India’ initiatives, enhancing consumer confidence through transparency, and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders, including artisans, traders, and retailers.
GJC Leadership Structure
Mr Rajesh Rokde (Chairman & Zonal Chairman – West) – Large Retailer, West Zone
Mr Avinash Gupta (Vice Chairman & Zonal Chairman – South) – Larger Wholesaler, South Zone
Mr Saiyam Mehra (Immediate Past Chairman) – Large Wholesaler, West Zone
Dr Ravi Kapoor (Zonal Chairman – North) – Large Retailer, North Zone
Mr Sunil Poddar (Zonal Chairman – East) – Medium Manufacturer Jewellery, East Zone
Mr Amit Jindal (COA Member) – Medium Retailer, North Zone
Mr Amit Kumar Soni (COA Member) – Small Manufacturer Jewellery, East Zone
Mr Ashok Kumar Jain (COA Member) – Medium Retailer, South Zone
Mr Gurjeet Singh (COA Member) – Small Retailer, North Zone
Mr HM Sultan Mohideen (COA Member) – Small Retailer, South Zone
Mr Madan Kothari (COA Member) – Small Manufacturer Jewellery, West Zone
Mr Nilesh S. Shobhawat (COA Member) – Small & Medium Wholesaler, West Zone
Mr Ravi Prakash Agarwal (COA Member) – Small Retailer, North Zone
Mr Rupesh Tambi (COA Member) – Small & Medium Wholesaler, North Zone
Mr Sahil Mehra (COA Member) – Medium Manufacturer Jewellery, West Zone
Mr Salim Daginawala (COA Member) – Large Retailer, West Zone
Mr Samar Kumar De (COA Member) – Medium Retailer, East Zone
Mr Siddharth Sawansukha (COA Member) – Large Manufacturer Jewellery, East Zone
Mr Sourav Roy (COA Member) – Small Retailer, East Zone
Mr Suyash Agrawal (COA Member) – Small & Medium Manufacturer Silver Jewellery, West Zone
Mr Vardhaman Kothari (COA Member) – Small Retailer, West Zone
About GJC:
All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council is a national trade Council established with the objective to address the industry, its functioning, and its cause with a 360° approach to promote and progress its growth while protecting the industry’s interests.
As a self-regulated trade body, GJC, for the last 19 years, has been serving as a bridge between the Government and the trade as well as undertaking various initiatives on behalf of and for the industry.