Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation seeks coordinated government support for artisans, workers, MSMEs and their families
WEST BENGAL: The jewellery industry is not simply about gold, silver or business. Behind every piece of jewellery, there is the skill, labour and livelihood of artisans, workers, small entrepreneurs, traders and their families.
As someone who has been closely associated with the jewellery sector and its people for years, I have seen the reality from very close. The biggest challenge today is not only the market situation or the price of gold. The deeper problem is the lack of recognition, social security, safety, legal support, healthcare, skill development and long-term protection for a large section of people working in and around this industry.
Many skilled artisans still work in an unorganised environment. A worker may spend years developing valuable skills, yet have little formal proof of his profession, limited access to social-security benefits and no reliable support system when faced with an accident, illness, legal dispute, sudden unemployment or death.
The problem becomes even more serious when workers from West Bengal travel to other states for employment. In an emergency, families may struggle to arrange medical treatment, legal assistance or transportation back home. These are not theoretical problems. They are real situations faced by working families.
Why a long-term solution is necessary
Temporary assistance can help someone survive a crisis, but it cannot solve the underlying problem.
What the jewellery industry needs is a structured ecosystem where artisans, employees, MSMEs and their families can access professional identity, government schemes, legal guidance, healthcare and insurance awareness, skill development, business support and emergency assistance.
This is where the Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation (SSUF) is working to make a difference.
As an organisation, our objective is not merely to collect members or issue cards. Our larger mission is to build a support and development platform for the jewellery community—connecting people with information, professional services, government opportunities, legal and compliance support, skill development and responsible industry representation.
We work to support artisans and jewellery businesses with professional identity and documentation, MSME and regulatory assistance, awareness programmes, consultancy, digital initiatives and connections to relevant services. We also aim to create stronger communication between industry workers, entrepreneurs, organisations and government authorities.
Government and industry must work together
On 11 September 2026, SSUF formally submitted its concerns and proposals by email to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal and the concerned departments, including Labour; MSME & Textiles; Industry, Commerce & Enterprises; Health & Family Welfare; Home & Hill Affairs; Technical Education, Training & Skill Development; Transport; Disaster Management; and Women & Child Development & Social Welfare, along with the Chief Secretary’s office.
Our appeal includes consideration of interstate emergency and legal-support mechanisms, social-security inclusion, healthcare and accident protection, fair and skill-based remuneration, modern jewellery training, and improved connectivity—including the long-pending Ghatal railway demand.
Our commitment is simple
We do not claim that one organisation can solve every problem. But we strongly believe that no artisan, worker or small jewellery entrepreneur should feel alone during a crisis.
Our goal is to stand beside the people of this industry—not only when they are successful, but also when they are struggling.
The future of the jewellery industry will depend not only on gold prices and market demand, but also on how we protect the people whose hands, skills and hard work keep this industry alive.
As National Chairman and Founder Director of Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation, my commitment is clear:
Recognise the worker. Protect the artisan. Strengthen the MSME. Support the family. Build the industry.
This is not merely a demand for assistance. It is a call for a more organised, secure, skilled and sustainable future for the jewellery industry of West Bengal.
— Selim Mallick (Rohit)
Founder Director & National Chairman
Swarna Shilpi Upgradation Foundation
