‘Expedite convention centre, jewellery park’

Rajkot: Office-bearers of the Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) met minister of state for industries Jagdish Panchal on Tuesday over several long-pending demands.
RCCI sources said that they requested the minister to expedite convention centre, imitation jewellery park and extend the GIDC area of Rajkot.
A representation by RCCI stated that former chief minister Vijay Rupani had made a provision of 32 acres land in the Smart City area, but it has not been allocated till date. They said the convention centre will benefit the trade and industry of the entire Saurashtra region.
RCCI has also been pressing for an imitation jewellery park as this unorganized industry provides employment to 4.5 lakh people that includes 2.5 lakh women. Rajkot is the hub of imitation jewellery making.
RCCI president VP Vaishnav said, “The minister ensured that the government will soon take decisions regarding land allotment for the convention centre and the new RCCI building. The government has also identified land in Sokhda village near the city for the jewellery park.”
Regarding expansion of Devgam-Khirasara GIDC, RCCI said that only 91 hectares land of the total 341 promised has been allocated. They have demanded 100 hectare government waste land in Chhapra village and as many hectares grazing land for the expansion.