The 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) took place on 30th September 2008 in Mumbai. Following the AGM the newly elected Committee of Administration (21 members and three Government Nominees) unanimously elected Mr. Vasant Mehta, , as the Chairman of the Council .
Mr. Mehta will take on the responsibilities from Mr. Sanjay Kothari, who has completed his two-year term (2006 – 2008) as Chairman. Mr. Rajiv Jain, who was Chairman, Jaipur region has assumed the post of Vice-Chairman of Council. They will hold office for a period of two years from 2008 to 2010. As Chairman and Vice Chairman of GJEPC they shall be responsible for the smooth functioning of the Council.
Speaking at the outset , Mr. Sanjay A. Kothari, Ex Chairman GJEPC said,"I am thankful to the Committee, members, media and Council for providing immense support all throughout which has lead the industry achieve great heights. Multiple new projects are in pipeline and I along with the committee and team are ready to provide the same support to the new Chairman which will help continue the growth"
"It is a position of great honour and immense responsibility. I have series of tasks to accomplish in times to come and I look forward to the similar support and cooperation extended to the past Chairman to take the industry to newer heights, said Mr. Vasant Mehta on being elected as the Chairman of GJEPC
Mr. Mehta's achievements are infinite, he is a second-generation diamantaire and has been involved in the family business for over 40 years. He is founder and senior partner of M/S. V. Rameshchandra & Co., Mumbai. After graduating from Calcutta University, Vasant Mehta migrated to Mumbai and joined the newly developing diamond cutting industry in 1966.
He joined GJEPC in the year 1969 as an honorary member and consequently held several important positions including that of Vice Chairman of the Council. Recently, he was re-elected as Vice Chairman, to serve until year 2008. He has also been a convener of the Banking Insurance and Taxation Committee for over 10 years. He has served as a member of the committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse and has been an Advisor to their Legal Committee.
In his capacity as the Vice Chairman, he was always involved in undertaking measures to transform the capabilities of India from a diamond manufacturing to a global jewellery manufacturing hub of quality & design oriented jewellery. As a representative of the GJEPC in CIBJO, he takes active interest in promoting the cause of CIBJO and spreading the message of best practices in jewellery trade.
Mr Mehta's contribution in promoting and representing the Indian Gem & Jewellery fraternity in international forum is been commendable. Currently he serves as the Vice President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and is also a special advisor to China Diamond Industry.
Taking this success forward is Mr. Rajeev Jain who with his dedication has added on to the council's achievements. He as Chairman, Jaipur region has performed his responsibilities excellently and is now all set to compliment and support the Chairman and the Committee of Administration in his new role as the Vice Chairman of Council
Mr. Jain was the Promoter and Director of Vaibhav Gems Ltd., the first ever Public Ltd. Company in the Jewellery sector from Jaipur. Presently he is also shouldering responsibilities as Chairman of Sambhav Gems Ltd.
Mr. Jain has served GJEPC earlier at various positions, including having been the Convener, Colour Gemstone Panel. He has had many achievements to his name, he was the Ex - Chairman of the CII, Rajasthan Sector, Director of International Colour Gemstone Association (ICA), Honorary Secretary of Jaipur Jewellery Show & as the Ex-Vice President of Jewellers' Association of Jaipur.
About GJEPC:
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is an all India apex body representing 6000 Gem & Jewellery traders from India. Set up in 1966, it operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and elected representatives of the industry. The Council is a non-profit organization involved with service to the nation.
