Mumbai: The pandemic has witnessed major migration of individuals who have been, some of the worst hit. There are innumerable stories that one would have come across during the last year and half. Most of the skilled artisans that are employed in the jewellery industry hail from states like West Bengal, Tamilnadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, etc. Due to uncertainty, these migrant workers returned to their hometowns and struggled to make ends meet. Most of them had little choice for survival and easily adapted to alternate professions. This migration has led to a major vacuum created especially among the skilled workforce in the gems and jewellery industry.
GJSCI Chairman, Mr. Sanjay Kothari envisioned reaching out and filling this vacuum of highly skilled artisans, in any way possible through GJSCI. Mr. Sanjay Kothari who is also the Chairman of Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) decided to offer funds for fresh training of candidates and provide employability.
A study was conducted and the job role identified was that of `Mircrosetter’ as per industry demand. To begin with GJSCI in collaboration with GJNRF planned a special program on priority basis for training of 50 Microsetters. The training lasted 150 hrs. over a few weeks.
After successful completion of training, an assessment was conducted. The candidates who successfully cleared their assessment were felicitated in a Certification ceremony at IIGJ, Mumbai. Mr. Rajeev Garg, Executive Director & CEO, GJSCI welcomed all the dignitaries and candidates and briefed the audience about this special project. Mr. Bharat Vaswani, HOI, IIGJ was the Chief Guest at the Ceremony who wished the candidates with best wishes for their future endeavors and assured full support to GJSCI for its upcoming initiatives. Mr. Ramnik Shah, Trustee, GJNRF also shared his life’s experience as a motivation to the young candidates. Mr. Arun Shah, Trustee, GJNRF was also present at the event.
As this special project was demand based hence an assurance by industry partners has resulted in successful placement of candidates in renowned companies like Kama Schachter, Uni Design, Jasani and Intergold. The balance 25 candidates would also be placed very soon in similarly reputed companies.
Mr. Sanjay Kothari assured GJNRF would continue to fund such projects and also assist with providing placements to these candidates.
