Udupi: The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Udupi was officially unveiled as a Centre of Excellence by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 28 April 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s push towards skill development, innovation, and employment generation within the gems and jewellery sector.
The ceremony commenced with the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, followed by the Finance Minister proceeding to the main hall for the ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for jewellery education and industry-led skilling in southern India.
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP Lok Sabha; Yashpal A. Suvarna, MLA Udupi; Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, alongside industry members, students, and stakeholders.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIGJ India and IIT Madras (InCent LGD), further strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.
Speaking at the inauguration, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the new institute as a strong example of industry-led skilling that can drive transformation by creating meaningful opportunities for young talent across southern India.
As global demand for skilled talent continues to rise, institutions like IIGJ Udupi will play an instrumental role in nurturing exceptional talent, expanding career opportunities for youth, and driving inclusive economic growth, she said.
She further highlighted that IIGJ Udupi is empowering students from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and neighbouring regions by equipping them with employable skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and pathways to prosperity. With the backing of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the institute’s curriculum has been aligned with global market requirements and evolving industry standards.
Echoing this sentiment, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, stated that over the past four years, IIGJ centres across India have significantly strengthened the industry’s talent pipeline, collectively training over 7,000 students.
The unveiling of the Udupi centre reflects our continued commitment to strengthening India’s skill ecosystem for the gems and jewellery industry, Bhansali noted.
He also underlined the sector’s growing economic significance, noting that India’s gem and jewellery industry currently contributes nearly USD 28 billion in exports while supporting over 5 million livelihoods.
As the sector evolves into a more design-led, technology-driven, and value-added ecosystem, the need for skilled professionals will only continue to grow. Institutions like IIGJ are central to sustaining India’s leadership and maintaining its position as the supplier of choice for the world, he added.
Bhansali further stated that this initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and supports the industry’s long-term ambition of achieving USD 100 billion in gem and jewellery exports.
Established by GJEPC in 2017, IIGJ Udupi has emerged as a premier institute for gems and jewellery education in southern India, reflecting GJEPC’s commitment to advancing skill development, innovation, and excellence across the sector.
