(a) whether the Gems and Jewellery exports have touched an all time high;
(b) if so, the details thereof for the last three years, year-wise and the additional revenue earned by the Government through exports;
(c) whether any steps are being taken to boost the said exports in the coming years; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the targets fixed in this regard and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b): The Gems and Jewellery sector had achieved highest ever export in the year 2011-12, i.e. US$ 46,374.13 million. The export performance of the sector during the last three years is as under: -
(US $ Million)
Item 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
Gems and Jewellery 41,266.07 39,283.46 43,573.88
Source: DGCI&S
(c) & (d) With a view to strengthen the Gems & Jewellery industry in the country, the Government has taken a number of steps such as establishment of Special Notified Zone (SNZ); setting up of Common Facility Centres for gem and jewellery sector; announcement of separate ITC HS Code for lab-grown diamonds; amendment of wastage and value addition norms for gems and jewellery items; and providing financial assistance for participation in international fairs, organizing buyer-seller meets, creation of export related infrastructure, etc. under various schemes of the Department of Commerce to boost the industry. Further, the export of any sector depends on various factors which are global in nature, viz. Global economic scenario, demand of item, foreign exchange rate, etc. These factors are beyond control of Indian exporters and therefore no target can be fixed.
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