Chandigarh, May 16
Kumari Selja, Member of Parliament from Sirsa, former Union Minister, member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, has said that due to the BJP government’s flawed economic policies, traders, farmers, workers, and crores of people associated with small industries are facing a severe crisis. She stated that the Prime Minister’s appeal to not buy gold jewellery, followed by the hike in import duty on gold and silver, is a direct attack on the livelihood of millions of families linked to the jewellery industry.
Selja pointed out that the jewellery and goldsmith sector employs millions, including small shopkeepers, artisans, and workers. This sector contributes significantly to India’s economy, employment, and exports, but government policies have pushed it into recession and insecurity. She alleged that decisions like demonetisation, faulty GST, compulsory hallmarking, and now the import duty hike have broken the backbone of small businesses. According to her, raising import duty will encourage smuggling, hurting honest traders and small jewellers. Instead of burdening the industry, the government should focus on domestic gold mobilisation, recycling, and relief measures for small businesses.
Selja further said that not only the jewellery industry but also farmers, traders, and workers are suffering under BJP’s policies. Rising unemployment, closure of MSMEs and inflation have made life difficult for ordinary citizens. She demanded that the central government announce a special economic relief package for the jewellery industry and small traders to safeguard the livelihood of millions of families. Selja emphasized that the Congress party stands firmly with hardworking artisans, traders, farmers, and workers, and will continue its struggle from Parliament to the streets to protect their livelihood.
