Rajasthans marble traders are opposing a recent decision by the Centre to liberalise regulations governing marble imports.
By Lokendra Singh
Jaipur, Aug 26 : Rajasthan's marble traders are opposing a recent decision by the Centre to liberalise regulations governing marble imports.
Imported marble has acquired a sizeable share of the domestic market, and businessmen feel that if the government does not reduce the import quota, around one million people in Rajasthan could lose out in terms of earnings and gainful employment.
"This is not only affecting traders and industrialists, but also workers and labourers, directly or indirectly involved with this trade. Before the introduction of the new policy, we used to dispatch 250 trucks per day, but today it is reduced to 50," claimed Ashok Dhoot, Vice Chairman, Centre for Development of Stones.
Marble traders allege that the import license has been given only to a few traders, who are manipulating domestic prices.
"We request the Government to increase the share of the quota fixed, and give Rajasthan a major share," said Dhoot.
Rajasthan Marble Association Spokesperson Ravindra Singh said: "The licenses are being increased gradually. This is affecting the industry severely. In terms of value, the finished product, only 10 to 12 parties will have control, and this will give a tough time to others involved in the industry in Rajasthan."
A policy circular issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on July 26 had sought to increase the quantity of licence for import of marble blocks from the present 130,000 MT to 195,000 MT
Rajasthan's Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had recently met Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath in New Delhi registering her protest against the government's decision to increase the marble import quota. Nath had assured here that the hike would be reviewed at the earliest.
Marble is the prime stone mineral of Rajasthan, which has 91 percent of India's total resources and contributes 95 percent of India's marble production.
There are about 1600 small and medium industrial units in the State, which are involved in the processing and trading of marble and allied products.
India's marble industry is worth around 30 billion rupees, and the imported segment has captured a third of it in the last three to four years.
India has a cement capacity of 170 million tonnes and faces a shortfall of 10 million tonnes.
When the import of marble was allowed about a decade ago, the import component was around 20,000 metric tonnes. Currently, it has been increased to 195,000 metric tones. The traders want a cap on the import share to protect the domestic industry.
Indian marble is considered of high quality. Imported marble from Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Spain is in great demand.
ANI