Gem, textile industries await new policies

The diamond and textile industry in Surat is eagerly waiting to see what sort of policies the new government at the Centre will implement in the coming days.

Many in the industry have expressed the confidence that trade and industry will continue to flourish under the new government.

Ashok Shah, president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "I do not foresee a U-turn in the economic policies by the new government as the reforms were actually initiated by Congress government in the past."

Chandrakant Sanghvi, convenor of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Gujarat Region, said, "I do not think a change of guard should create problems."

The council, plays an important role in policy-making as far as the diamond industry is concerned. So I don't think change of government will lead to major policy changes. If our demands are reasonable and just, the government will accept them. So there is no question of facing too many problems."

"At the same time, we will have to see the extent of influence of Left parties. If Congress starts functioning under the Left's influence, there could be some problems, but hopefully, these won't come in the way of development," Sanghvi said.