Concerns are rising among the state’s gold traders and goldsmiths over the slump in the gold market. Against this backdrop, the All Assam Swarna Shilpi Samiti has raised various issues affecting the trade and demanded immediate government intervention.
At a press conference held at the Guwahati Press Club on Saturday, the Samiti’s leadership alleged that many small gold traders and goldsmiths in the state are currently facing a financial crisis. The organization demanded that Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma take appropriate steps to resolve the issue. The Samiti leadership also warned that they would resort to agitation in the coming days if their demands are not addressed.
Speaking at the press conference, the Samiti’s Central Organising Secretary and Kamrup District Secretary Nayan Kumar Dhar said, “Since the Prime Minister’s appeal, the gold trade across the country has been impacted. Many small gold traders and goldsmiths in Assam are facing financial distress. To survive competition with multinational companies, GST on gold must be reduced to 2%. Otherwise, the existence of small goldsmiths will be at stake.”
Meanwhile, Chief Advisor of the Samiti, Prashanta Kumar Roy, who was present at the press conference, questioned the role of the police in investigating stolen gold ornaments. He said, “Despite clear directives from the High Court, investigations are not being conducted accordingly in many cases. If the gold stored in various temples, gold loan companies, and banks across the state is put to proper use, the country’s economy will benefit and dependence on gold imports from abroad will also reduce.”
The Samiti also demanded easy-term loans for goldsmiths, health insurance facilities, and inclusion in government welfare schemes.
Several office-bearers of the organization, including Ranjit Adhikari and Ratan Karmakar, were present at the press conference.
