Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC (Common Facility Centre) at the SEEPZ SEZ in Mumbai, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, will drive gem and jewellery exports from the country.
This project aims to create a world-class infrastructure for promoting the inherent skills of the gems and jewellery manufacturing industry. The Mega Common Facilitation Centre provides a supportive and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, MSMEs and small businesses to grow and thrive.
Bharat Ratnam CFC will house the cutting-edge equipment, including a 3D Metal printer. It will also provide training and skilling for artisans, including specially abled students. The Mega CFC will transform the export sector in the gem and jewellery trade and will also help the domestic manufacturing.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said, “PM’s visionary strides towards shaping a Viksit Bharat are not only evident in groundbreaking policy reforms, but also in the development of infrastructure that promises to redefine the business landscape. The government’s steadfast support, exemplified by the establishment of the Mega CFC Bharat Ratnam in SEEPZ, Mumbai, lays a robust foundation for the industry’s future growth. Mega CFC is integral to the industry’s plan to double the SEZ export target from $7 billion to $15 billion, unlocking the untapped potential of around $30 billion.”The Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC was conceptualised by GJEPC. The feasibility study and project report were done through the National Productivity Council by GJEPC. The project report was adopted by MoC and funded through SEEPZ. The implementation of the project was done under a Mega CFC Committee nominated by GJEPC along with SEEPZ Authority. GJEPC has signed an MoU to run and operate the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC.
Rajesh Kumar Mishra, IRS Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ said “This essential renovation and upgrade were timely necessities which will further boost gem and jewellery exports from our country. And the best part is Mega CFC facilities will be made available at a reasonable rate not only to SEEPZ-SEZ units but also to factories outside the zone which will improve the output in terms of quality, productivity and yield of the finished jewellery.”
C. P. S. Chauhan. IRS, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, said, “After the Bhoomi Poojan on September 1st, 2022, the construction of the Mega CFC was completed within an astonishing 14-month period! This achievement illustrates the collaboration between the Government, GJEPC, and SEEPZ for their collective efforts in completing this project in record time. I firmly believe this marks just the beginning, and we can anticipate more such transformative projects supported by the government to reshape the landscape of SEEPZ.”
Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, stated, “We are honoured and thrilled to witness the momentous occasion of the Honourable Prime Minister laying the foundation stone for NEST 1 and Bharat Ratnam at SEEPZ SEZ. The gem & jewellery sector comprises a maximum of MSMEs (Jewellery manufacturers and retailers) who have affordability constraints for modern technology, research & development and skilled manpower. Mega CFC bridges this gap to maintain competitiveness through the latest in 3-Ts (Technology, Techniques and Training) from across the globe at a single facilitation centre.”
