New Delhi: Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, has expressed solidarity with jewellers who are protesting against imposition of 1% excise on non- silver jewellery and said a solution should be found to the problems of small-time workers who are suffering due to the issue.
Noting that it has been many days that the jewellers have been protesting, he said they should be heard.
"Imagine the plight of the small scale workers, who are suffering and struggling with day to day needs... and no one seems to be willing to find a solution," Vadra, a businessman himself, said in a statement.
Vadra, who has met representatives of All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, said "If the roll back has not been entertained, in that case the federation is simply wanting to allow the trade to pay excise duty of 1% or equivalent amount of VAT paid (whichever is lower), to the Centre through the Excise Department, but based on the VAT, so that the government does not suffer on revenues proposed."
But at the same time, he added, they want respite from the compliances which are impossible for small scale workers in the jewellery industry to follow.
"I have understood and find it completely non practical, for small scale workers to follow these compliances," he said.
"Moreover, the real problem of black money will be addressed when gold bars will not be sold, as the jewellers association promise willingly," Vadra said, adding, "This will save our nation a great deal of funds, which are used to procure this unaccounted gold into the country to absorb individuals black money".
Jewellers and bullion traders have been on strike since last 18 days demanding rollback of the proposed excise duty on non-silver jewellery.
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