The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) unveiled the Trust Mark Model (TMM) and proposed the Rashtriya Swarna Nivesh programme – at its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently. GJF’s AGM was attended by key members of the Board of Directors including Chairman, Haresh Soni; Vice Chairman, Manish Jain; Paresh Shah (Chairman – Admin & Finance Committee) and Nitin Khandelwal, Director, GJF. Nirupa Bhatt, Director, GJF, made a presentation on the launch of Trust Mark Business Excellence Protocol. Ashok Minawala, Past Chairman, GJF, made a presentation on Rashtriya Swarna Nivesh. GJF’s Trust Mark Model (TMM) is a unique ‘Business Excellence Model’ initiative that will help G&J members to grow their business and become more efficient. The Trustmark is exclusively designed by ISOQAR for GJF. It is an exclusive model for business growth through implementation of systems & processes & practices for growth and managing risks. GJF also proposed the Rashtriya Swarna Nivesh Scheme, an initiative never attempted before in India or such a large scale in the world, as an ideal example of public-private participation wherein the jewellers of India will contribute significantly to the economic health of their country by bringing all the idle gold back into circulation. It will also help in addressing the critical issue of current account deficit.%% Haresh Soni said, “GJF’s Action Taken Report (ATR) for 2012-13 indicates that in every field we have taken significant steps for betterment and for growth. With the Trust Mark Model, we shall soon change the pattern of working to see that it becomes more productive and efficient. We are looking at 360 degree approach and at restructuring GJF office, systems, policies and procedure to create an autonomous body that functions on principles, policies and ethics. With the Rashtriya Swarna Nivesh, we jewellers can demonstrate that we can fulfil our social responsibility to the nation and help address its economic concerns.” Ashok Minawala said, “The Rashtriya Swarna Scheme can be a pioneering initiative to help the Indian Government’s national agenda of reducing import of gold and discovering alternative sources of gold. Eligible jewellers will work as nominated agents of the Bank and will help collect unused and idle gold from households and temple trusts. In three years, we can help mobilise 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes of unused/ idle gold and make India free from importing gold for domestic consumption. Customers can deposit their unused/ idle gold on the spot and the gold is held in their demat accounts while they continue to earn interest in gold or rupee terms.” Nirupa Bhatt said, “The future of India’s gems & jewellery industry demands a new, more professional, strategic and systematic approach. GJF’s Trust Mark certification would raise the bar on ethical standards & the credibility of the Industry. It will build transparency in customer interaction and the sale of gems and jewellery. This would build customer loyalty, help retain customers and create repeat purchases. With Trust Mark implemented in an organisation, raising funds from banks and others could be far easier. The TMM is based on the principles of continuous improvement. The TMM will help businesses to strategise, plan & grow topline & bottom-line.”