Archive · 30 Sep 2026
West Bengal Plans Jewellery Training Degrees Through Industry Partnerships
West Bengal wants to create recognised training degrees for people who make jewellery.
The plan would involve the government and private jewellery companies working together.
Training is already happening, and 3,000 people have received certificates.
About 1,500 of those trainees have found jobs in the industry.
Officials also want jewellery companies to use government training institutes and offer apprenticeships.
A dedicated Skill University for jewellery workers has been proposed.
Industry representatives are also discussing insurance and better training for artisans.
The Indian International Bullion Exchange plans to open a vault in Kolkata so local jewellers can collect bullion closer to home.
West Bengal is considering recognised training degrees for jewellery craftsmen through industrial training institutes and private partnerships.
The state says 3,000 gems and jewellery trainees have been certified, with 1,500 absorbed into the industry.
The government has proposed five-year industry use of government ITIs under a 2:1 financial model.
Industry representatives have proposed a dedicated Skill University, a Karigars’ Park and expanded apprenticeships and internships.
The Indian International Bullion Exchange plans to open a bullion vault in Kolkata by Diwali.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, jewellery industry representatives, training institutes and the Indian International Bullion Exchange.
- What
- Plans are being considered for recognised jewellery-craft training degrees, a Skill University and expanded industry training.
- When
- The proposals were discussed at a gem and jewellery summit; the planned bullion vault is expected by Diwali.
- Where
- West Bengal, including Kolkata and government industrial training institutes.
- Why
- To strengthen the state’s jewellery workforce, improve artisan training and make bullion delivery more accessible to local jewellers.
- Certified trainees
- 3,000 trainees have been certified through a short-term gems and jewellery training programme.
- Industry placements
- 1,500 certified trainees have been absorbed into the jewellery industry.
- Proposed training model
- Industry members were encouraged to use government ITIs for five years under a 2:1 financial model.
- Skill University
- The jewellery industry and the Indian counterpart of the World Gold Council have proposed a dedicated Skill University in West Bengal.
- Additional artisan support
- Industry representatives said artisans are being offered insurance, apprenticeships and industry-led training.
- Bullion vault
- The Indian International Bullion Exchange plans to open a vault at Manikam SEZ in Kolkata by Diwali.
- Local access
- The vault is intended to let Bengal jewellers take delivery locally rather than sourcing bullion from Chennai or GIFT City.