There are many doubts and apprehensions among the people about making an authorized document or e-way bill mandatory for carrying gold jewellery worth more than two lakhs within the state. The GST meeting held last Tuesday approved the introduction of e-way bill for the transportation of gold within the state. It has also been clarified that the respective states will be free to implement or not implement this. Kerala is in the process of implementing this. This law should be implemented carefully and with clarity. In no way should it become a discouragement to the small-scale gold industry.

The price of gold is increasing day by day. Therefore, the first change should be within the previously fixed limit of two lakhs. The provisions of the law should be clearly defined in such a way that there is no scope for misuse by officials. People carry gold jewellery worth more than this to many places on a daily basis other than for commercial purposes. No one can avoid it considering the situation and needs. Therefore, the Finance Department should clarify in the relevant directive that this will apply only to traders. If not, people will doubt that they will not be able to go out with gold even for pawning.

Before implementing the e-way bill, the government should discuss its practical aspects with the small-scale gold traders. Thousands of goldsmiths are working in the jewellery-making sector. There are concerns that if the limit of Rs 2 lakh is not raised, small-scale traders will be wiped out from this sector and many goldsmiths will lose their livelyhood due to this. The manufacturing of gold jewellery takes place in various stages in various factories. Small-scale traders also say that e-way bill for transporting the jewellery from one place to another at each stage of manufacture is not practical. Therefore, the law should be formulated after studying all aspects rather than amending it after implementation. The question also remains as to how to identify whether gold ornaments are carried from one place to another for personal use or for trade. There is also no clear answer as to how a trader without GST registration can get an e-way bill. The e-way bill should not leave gold buyers and sellers in a shadow of doubt.