The Odisha government has taken action against five jewellery shops found to be selling counterfeit gold falsely certified with Hallmark standards.
Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made the announcement during a Legislative Assembly session, providing details of the investigation and subsequent measures.
Jewellery Shops Implicated
The five implicated shops are Ambika Jewellers in Kuchinda, Rajshri Jewellers in Kujang (Jagatsinghpur district), Suna Chandi Jewellers in Puri, Radhakant Jewellers in Barpali (Bargarh district), and Sambalpur Alankar Jewellers in Sambalpur. Following the detection of irregularities by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the government revoked the licences of four of these shops, while legal action is ongoing against Ambika Jewellers.
The BIS played a key role in uncovering the violations and ensuring quality standards were upheld. Minister Patra confirmed that unregistered and non-certified gold was being sold, undermining consumer trust in the integrity of Hallmark certification.
Broader Regulatory Actions
In addition to targeting specific offenders, the Odisha government has introduced additional measures to monitor compliance and protect consumers. A network of 72 state-run laboratories routinely inspects weighing devices at jewellery shops to ensure accuracy. District metrology officers conduct surprise raids and impose fines for violations.
During the fiscal years 2022–23 and 2023–24, 12 cases related to measurement discrepancies resulted in fines totalling Rs 3.90 lakh. Between April and November 2024, another four cases were identified, with fines amounting to Rs 48,000.
Minister Patra highlighted the issue, stating, “The price of gold is skyrocketing day by day and has become unaffordable for poor people. If the government will not exercise its control over exorbitant hikes, how will poor people get their daughters married?”
Consumers also voiced concerns about counterfeit gold. Sabhapati Kar, an elderly woman from Cuttack, shared, “It is painful that poor people would purchase gold with their hard-earned money and get counterfeit gold instead.” Another consumer, Menaka Choudhury, expressed, “Usually for our daughter’s marriage, we purchase gold by borrowing money. When we ask for Hallmark-assured gold and get fake gold in lieu of our money, how can we know? Strong action should be taken by the State government against wrongdoers.”
Implications for Jewellers
These developments emphasise the importance of compliance with Hallmarking and quality standards. Jewellers must adhere to regulations to maintain consumer trust and protect their businesses from potential penalties or licence revocations.
