India, April 28 -- Marking a significant milestone in India's gem and jewellery skill development landscape, the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Udupi was unveiled on Tuesday as a new centre of excellence by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, reaffirming the government's continued focus on skilling, innovation and employment generation for the sector.

The ceremony was attended by Kota Shrinivas Poojari, Member of Parliament; Yashpal A. Suvarna, MLA, Udupi;  Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA, Kaup (Kapu) Assembly Constituency, Karnataka; Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Mahender Tayal, Regional Chairman, Southern Region, GJEPC; and  Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, G...