A blood signature campaign was launched today, the ninth day of an indefinite strike called by Jamshedpur Jewellers Association (JJA) demanding immediate roll back of excise duty levied on gold jewellery.
Over 900 jewellers and Karigars (artisans) of the Steel city have joined the campaign in support of their demand.
Led by its President, Bipin Adeshra, the jewellers and karigars signed on a banner with their blood demanding 100 per cent roll back of the excise duty levied on gold jewellery.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Adeshra said over 900 jewellers and karigars were on strike since last nine days to express solidarity with the Gems and Jewellers Federation of India (GJF), which has called for indefinite nation-wide strike to oppose one per excise duty levied on gold jewellery.
"We are not opposed to government move to generate revenue but imposing a new tax in the form of excise duty on jewellery is not acceptable as jewellers have already been paying taxes in different form including sales tax," he said.
Adeshra regretted that while BJP had strongly opposed the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government's move to introduce new tax on jewellery products four years ago, the party has itself levied excise duty in the recent budget when in power.
He said JJM will be sending letters to all the Member of Parliaments from Jharkhand in this regard appealing them to take up the issue with the government.
Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry also came out in support of the jewellers and demanded immediate roll back of the excise duty, said its President Suresh Sonthalia.
