Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates New IIGJ Campus in Udupi; Focus on Skill Development and Global Jewelry Standards

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Share

Udupi : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman officially inaugurated the new campus of the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) at the old Zilla Panchayat premises in Udupi. Originally established in 2016 on a modest scale at the Karavali Hotel premises, the institute has completed a successful decade of empowering rural talent and generating significant employment opportunities across coastal Karnataka and neighboring districts. The transition to this modern campus marks a major milestone in the region’s journey toward becoming a hub for professional jewelry craftsmanship.

The institute now offers over 40 specialized courses, ranging from Degree and Diploma programs to Post-Graduation. During the event, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIGJ and IIT Madras to introduce a certified curriculum in Lab-Grown Diamond technology, aligning the institute with global technological shifts. Minister Sitharaman, who was instrumental in bringing IIGJ to Udupi during her tenure as Commerce and Industry Minister, also engaged in an interactive session with trainees under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting traditional artisans through modern skill-building.

Equipped with 41 state-of-the-art machines, including XRF gold purity testing, CAD software, and advanced casting and plating units, IIGJ Udupi provides a complete production chain facility. The center has played a pivotal role in formalizing the sector by issuing identity cards to 762 jewelry artisans and training over 600 students in the last year alone. Many graduates have already established successful self-employment ventures, opening their own jewelry boutiques across various states, fueled by the professional training received at the center.

Addressing the gathering, the Finance Minister emphasized the immense global demand for Indian traditional jewelry, particularly in the Middle East and the United States. She encouraged more women to enter this field, noting that the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology offers a sustainable career path. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to outstanding students and beneficiaries of the Vishwakarma scheme, marking a new chapter for Udupi’s rich heritage of over 5,000 skilled artisans and 100 retail outlets.