A meeting is to be held later today, which will decide on the future course of action. The Bombay Bullion Association and All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation have joined in the protest.

The bandh will lead to a huge loss for jewellers, especially in the South as the Ugadi festival is nearing and people are looking to make purchases.

The Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2012-13, doubled the import duty on standard gold from 2% to 4% and for non-standard gold from 5% to 10%. For unbranded gold jewellery the Finance Minister recommended a 1% excise duty, placing it in the same bracket as branded jewellery.

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