Mumbai: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC) is setting up the Indian Institute of Gem & Jewellery (IIGJ) at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Udupi in Karnataka to enhance artisans skills for gem & jewellery sector.

“We are setting up two more IIGJ institutes in Varansi and Udupi and expand our Mumbai facility. We are investing around Rs. 35 crore of which Rs. 20 crore are spent on the Varanasi facility spread over 8,000 square feet area,” said IIGJ Head- Mr. Sanjoy Ghosh.

“We are also investing Rs. 7 crore in Udupi facility, which is expected to start shortly. The expansion of Mumbai centre will cost Rs. 5 crore for adding two more floors,” added Mr. Ghosh.

The governments Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development of Exports (ASIDE) scheme will provide assistance of 50 per cent in the proposed funding, said Ghosh.

“With Maharashtra government supporting initiatives such as the Jewellery Park and gems & Jewellery University, successful graduates from IIGJ can access several career opportunities,” GJEPC Chairman Mr. Praveen Shankar Pandya said.