Vasant Mehta Elected Chairman of GJEPC

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 10/3/2008 11:06:00 AM

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council unanimously elected Vasant Mehta as chairman during the organization’s 42nd annual general meeting, held Sept. 30. Mehta previously served as vice chairman.

Mehta will take on the responsibilities from Sanjay Kothari, who has completed his two-year term as chairman. Rajiv Jain, who was chairman of the Jaipur region, has assumed the post of vice-chairman of the council, which consists of 21 members and three government nominees.

The two officials will hold office for a period of two years from 2008 to 2010 and will be responsible for the smooth functioning of the council.

“I am thankful to the committee, members, media and Council for providing immense support all throughout which has lead the industry achieve great heights,” Kothari said at the meeting. “Multiple new projects are in pipeline and I along with the committee and team are ready to provide the same support to the new Chairman which will help continue the growth.”

"It is a position of great honor and immense responsibility,” Mehta said. “I have series of tasks to accomplish in times to come and I look forward to the similar support and cooperation extended to the past Chairman to take the industry to newer heights, said Mr. Vasant on being elected as the Chairman of GJEPC.”

Mehta, a second-generation diamantaire, has been involved in the family business for over 40 years. He is founder and senior partner of M/S. V. Rameshchandra & Co., Mumbai. After graduating from Calcutta University, he moved to Mumbai and joined the newly developing diamond cutting industry in 1966.

He joined GJEPC in the year 1969 as an honorary member and held several positions, including vice chairman of the council. He has also been a senior member of GJEPC’s Banking Insurance and Taxation Committee for more than 15 years. He has served as a member of the committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse and has been an Advisor to its legal committee.

As vice chairman, he was involved in transforming the capabilities of India from a diamond manufacturing to a global jewelry manufacturing hub of design oriented jewelry. As a representative of the GJEPC in CIBJO, he takes active interest in promoting the cause of CIBJO and spreading the message of best practices in jewelry trade.

Mehta also serves as the vice president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and is a special advisor to China diamond industry.

Jain was one of the Promoter and Director of Vaibhav Gems Ltd., the first ever Public Ltd. Company in the Jewellery sector from Jaipur. He is now chairman of Sambhav Gems Ltd.

Jain has served GJEPC earlier at various positions, including having been the Convener, Colour Gemstone Panel. He has had many achievements to his name, he was the Ex - Chairman of the CII, Rajasthan Sector, Director of International Colour Gemstone Association (ICA), Honorary Secretary of Jaipur Jewellery Show & as the Ex-Vice President of Jewellers’ Association of Jaipur.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council represents 6,000 gem and jewelry traders from India. Set up in 1966, it operates under the supervision of India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and elected representatives of the industry.