- The gold business in Kerala is worth more than Rs.1 lakh crore with annual sales of around 250 tonnes.
- There are about 12,000 gold merchants in the state, with the majority holding BIS registration.
- The Bureau of Indian Standards made hallmarking compulsory to protect customers, especially those not aware of the market, from being taken for a ride by jewellers.
- Hallmarking ensures accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in jewellery, artefacts or bullion, and coins.
- This move is expected to make Kerala a hub of gold business and further strengthen its claim to being the most reliable market in the country to buy gold ornaments.
Question:
Q.1 Which state in India has become the first to have hallmarking centres in all its districts?a. Punjab
b. Kerala
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Maharashtra
