Jeweller shuns strike, gets the boot from association

Indore: Madhya Pradesh Sarafa Association has cancelled membership of a Ratlam-based jeweller for continuing to operate during the on-going strike of the jewellers. The association had appealed jewellers at MG road to shut their shops to extend support to the nation-wide strike.
The strike of the jewellers is on since a month. As such, a number of the jewellers are facing losses to the tune of crores of rupees.A faction of the jewellers had appealed to call off the strike and continue the agitation in other forms. Director of DP jewellers that was removed from the membership list, Anil Kataria said, "Some of the associations were ready to get back to work last month. However, the state sarafa association sticked to its guns. We have shown solidarity with the striking jewellers and favor roll-back of the excise on gold. But cancelling membership of a particular firm is not fair."
However, president of Madhya Pradesh Sarafa Association, Hukum Soni said, "We had to resort to cancelling the membership of the jeweller as he was not willing to co-operate with us. It is just a disciplinary action."
Meanwhile, the Sarafa Association has called for a state-bandh on April 9 to press for their demands including rollback of the proposed 1% excise duty on non-silver jewellery. Losses incurred by the city jewellers alone are to the tune of Rs 30 crore per day.