The Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) was mandated by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to identify contestants from the gems and jewellery sector to represent India at the WorldSkills International to be held in Leipzig, Germany in July 2013. The GJSCI held a three-day final selection test (August 7th, 8th and 9th) at the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in Andheri, Mumbai. A total of 17 participants competed against each other in an 11 hour long test of skill and talent. GJSCI announced Suhali Jain from Delhi and Bhabesh Chandra Jana from Bangalore as the finalists of the test. Both the selected candidates will receive intensive training under a master trainer until December 2012. Post this; one selected finalist will represent India at the WorldSkills International 2013.

The government had set up the NSDC in 2008 to ensure that India sustains its growth and helps the economically disadvantaged youth to raise their income levels by acquiring market oriented job skills. Gem and Jewellery is one high-growth sector identified by the NSDC to initiate skill-training programs. With this in mind, the leading bodies within the jewellery industry formed the Gem and Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI). Several initiatives are being undertaken by the GJSCI one of which is promoting youngsters to participate in international competitions.

The World Skills International is the largest vocational skills competition in the world. It is held once every two years where over 1000 young people from across 60 countries compete in a variety of skills in 43 different categories. The competition is open to all Indian nationals – either students of jewellery manufacturing or artisans working in the jewellery industry. The test would determine the skill of jewellery manufacturing in its essence and will not test design or innovative capabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dharmesh Sodah, CEO of GJSCI said, “After 3 days and 11 testing hours, we have chosen 2 finalists who will be representing India at the WorldSkills International. We are sure Suhali Jain and Bhabesh Chandra Jana will strengthen India’s predominant stature in the global Gem & Jewellery marketplace. We wish them all the very best.”