Amritsar’s gold industry eyes modernization, skills, exports, and youth empowerment

AMRITSAR: The traditional gold-ornaments manufacturing industry of Amritsar is now preparing for a new phase of modernization, skill development, and global expansion, with industry leaders pushing for advanced training institutes and professional courses aimed especially at empowering the youth.A significant meeting of the All India Swarnkar Sangh and the All India Jewellers Association was held in Amritsar, where members discussed the urgent need for modernization training and institutional support for the jewellery manufacturing trade following which a delegation of both the organizations met Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Inderbir Singh Nijjar and MLA from Amritsar-South- and sought his support for establishing a dedicated gold ornaments and jewellery training institute in the city.State Mahamantri of both the organizations, Gurpreet Singh, informed that such an institution offering professional and technical courses would equip young people with industry-relevant skills and open new employment avenues in the gems and jewellery sector.He said that such an institute would not only help traditional jeweller families of Amritsar expand and modernize their businesses, but would also provide opportunities for youth from non-jewellery backgrounds to build successful careers in the trade.Notably, Amritsar is known across India as one of the biggest hubs of gold ornament manufacturing and already has a unique identity in the jewellery sector, particularly in the manufacturing of nose pins, nose rings, and fine handcrafted ornaments which are not only supplied across the nation but are exported as well.“Thousands of artisans, craftsmen, and traders have kept this traditional industry alive for generations, blending heritage craftsmanship with intricate artistry,” said Rajan, a young gold ornament manufacturer who went abroad after graduation but returned three years ago to join his family business.However, he said that the time has now come to transform the traditional gold ornaments manufacturing industry into a modern, technology-driven sector capable of competing in international markets. “This will also create fresh career opportunities for young people beyond traditional family businesses,” he added.Nijjar said that following their proposal, he took up the matter with the concerned officials to explore the possibility of introducing certificate and diploma courses in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). He also suggested that partnerships could be established with major national institutions in the gems and jewellery industry to ensure high-quality training and industry exposure.Gurpreet said that the jewellers also seek issuances of arms licences to those engaged in the gold and silver trade for security purposes and to prevent alleged harassment at the hands of the police.