Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged with artisan trainees enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma scheme during the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery's new campus in Udupi, Karnataka on 28 April 2026.
Finance Minister Sitharaman presided over the formal inauguration of the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery's expanded facilities in Udupi, marking a milestone for jewellery sector skill development in southern India.
The FM spent time with PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries undergoing jewellery craftsmanship training, highlighting the government's focus on artisan upskilling and traditional craft preservation.
Sitharaman's interaction with trainees underscored the Centre's commitment to skill development in jewellery craftsmanship, a sector with significant export potential and employment generation capacity.
The Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery opened its new Udupi campus under FM Sitharaman's patronage, expanding institutional capacity for jewellery design, manufacturing, and quality assurance training.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman formally inaugurated the IIGJ's new Udupi premises on 28 April 2026, reinforcing the government's push to decentralise jewellery sector expertise beyond traditional hubs.
Sitharaman observed live jewellery craftsmanship demonstrations, gaining insights into modern manufacturing techniques and quality control standards taught at the institute's new facility.
The FM toured the institute's training labs and production facilities, witnessing hands-on demonstrations of jewellery design, hallmarking, and gemstone authentication protocols.
The newly inaugurated IIGJ campus features advanced training infrastructure for jewellery craftsmanship, gemology, and export-quality production standards, positioning Udupi as an emerging jewellery hub.
Finance Minister Sitharaman reviewed the institute's curriculum and training modules designed to meet international standards in jewellery design, production, and quality assurance.
The FM's inspection highlighted the institute's commitment to bridging skill gaps in India's jewellery sector, leveraging Udupi's strategic location for regional artisan training and export promotion.
Finance Minister Sitharaman witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the IIGJ and jewellery industry stakeholders, cementing industry-academia partnerships for skills alignment and employment generation.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the inaugural address, emphasising India's jewellery sector's export potential and the critical role of skill development in capturing global market share.
In her address, Sitharaman underscored the jewellery sector's contribution to India's exports and employment, positioning the IIGJ's Udupi expansion as pivotal for decentralised skill ecosystem development.