<p>The indigenous gem and jewellery sector in the country has come to a "standstill" amid the coronavirus pandemic and is in immediate need of relief measures from the government, an industry body said.</p>.<p>With virtually no footfalls, many jewellers might have to even shut down their shops, the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council said.</p>.<p>"Considering the crisis situation, the domestic gem and jewellery sector seeks immediate relief measures to enable the trade to function smoothly," chairman of the council Anantha Padmanabhan said in a statement.</p>.<p>March, being the last month of the financial year, there are also many due dates of payments for businesses in the sector, it said.</p>.<p>"We have sent a recommendation to the prime minister stating our concern... and we have received a prompt and favourable response from the PMO," Padmanabhan said.</p>.<p>The council also urged the government for deferring the GST return and extending the time limit for filing it.</p>.<p>"We have also sought reduction in customs duty to 4 per cent. If rate of tax is not kept at this level, it shall encourage smuggling and unorganised business," the statement added.</p>
<p>The indigenous gem and jewellery sector in the country has come to a "standstill" amid the coronavirus pandemic and is in immediate need of relief measures from the government, an industry body said.</p>.<p>With virtually no footfalls, many jewellers might have to even shut down their shops, the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council said.</p>.<p>"Considering the crisis situation, the domestic gem and jewellery sector seeks immediate relief measures to enable the trade to function smoothly," chairman of the council Anantha Padmanabhan said in a statement.</p>.<p>March, being the last month of the financial year, there are also many due dates of payments for businesses in the sector, it said.</p>.<p>"We have sent a recommendation to the prime minister stating our concern... and we have received a prompt and favourable response from the PMO," Padmanabhan said.</p>.<p>The council also urged the government for deferring the GST return and extending the time limit for filing it.</p>.<p>"We have also sought reduction in customs duty to 4 per cent. If rate of tax is not kept at this level, it shall encourage smuggling and unorganised business," the statement added.</p>