Calls for Social Security, Interstate Support, Healthcare, Fair Wages and Sustainable Solutions for Artisans, Workers and Small Jewellery Businesses
West Bengal, September 12, 2026:
Amid growing concerns over the changing business environment and mounting challenges faced by people associated with the jewellery industry, the Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation (SSUF) has formally approached the Government of West Bengal, including the Hon’ble Chief Minister and concerned departments, seeking immediate attention and long-term policy measures for artisans, workers, small entrepreneurs, MSMEs and their families.
The representation was submitted on September 11, 2026, highlighting a range of practical problems faced by people working in the jewellery sector, particularly those employed in the unorganised segment and those who travel to different states in search of employment.
According to the Foundation, the present challenges in the jewellery industry are no longer limited to business and market conditions. For thousands of families, issues such as employment uncertainty, lack of social security, workplace risks, healthcare expenses, interstate legal difficulties and the absence of emergency support can directly affect their livelihood and future.
Selim Mallick (Rohit), Founder Director and National Chairman of Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation, said that the objective of the representation is not merely to seek temporary relief, but to encourage the creation of a permanent and coordinated support mechanism for the jewellery industry community.
“Behind every artisan or worker is a family whose livelihood depends on that person’s income. When an accident, illness, legal dispute or sudden loss of employment occurs, the entire family can be pushed into uncertainty. The solution therefore has to go beyond temporary assistance and create a sustainable protection system,” the Foundation said.
Among its key requests, SSUF has called for an interstate assistance mechanism for jewellery workers and entrepreneurs, including easier access to legal assistance, coordination with authorities in other states, emergency support and, where necessary, assistance in transporting deceased workers back to their home state.
The Foundation has also urged the government to explore measures for social security, health and accident insurance, pension-related protection and simplified access to existing welfare schemes for eligible workers in the unorganised sector.
Another major concern raised is fair remuneration for skilled artisans. SSUF has proposed discussions involving government representatives, industry stakeholders and worker representatives to explore practical approaches towards skill-based and fair compensation.
Recognising the rapid technological transformation of the jewellery sector, the Foundation has further requested government-supported training in CAD Jewellery Design, modern jewellery manufacturing, hallmarking, digital marketing and entrepreneurship development.
The representation also draws attention to the long-standing demand for improved connectivity in the Ghatal subdivision, including the need for progress on the Ghatal railway project, which the Foundation believes could significantly improve employment mobility, business connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
SSUF has emphasised that the jewellery sector should be viewed not merely as a commercial industry, but as an ecosystem supporting a large network of artisans, employees, entrepreneurs and dependent families.
The Foundation has therefore appealed for a Government–Industry–Artisan–Organisation dialogue involving relevant departments, jewellery industry representatives, artisan and worker representatives and social organisations. Such a platform, it believes, could help identify ground-level problems and develop practical, long-term solutions.
The Foundation clarified that the initiative is being undertaken in the public interest and without any political objective.
The central message of the representation is simple: when the jewellery industry faces a crisis, the people behind the industry must not be left without protection.
SSUF has urged the West Bengal Government to consider the proposals seriously and initiate appropriate steps to ensure that artisans, workers, small businesses and their families can withstand the present challenges and build a more secure and sustainable future.
— Press Release
Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation (SSUF)
Selim Mallick (Rohit)
Founder Director & National Chairman