WB jewellers on 3-day strike; to meet Pranab

About 40,000 jewellers in West Bengal have gone on a three-day strike alleging high-handedness of income tax officials.

The president of Swarna Silpa Bachao Committee Bablu De told PTI that they would meet Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and submit a memorandum in a day or two against the alleged harassment.

"We will meet and submit a memorandum to Pranab Mukherjee and take up harassment by the I-T department in the last two months," De said.

"If we get some positive response to stop the harassment we may reconsider the strike call," he said.

Citing the 'irrational attitude' (of I-T officials) De claimed that IT department valued American diamonds, a semi-precious stone, costing Rs 10-15 as diamonds.

"Some gold coated products traditional items are being valued on total weight of the product though bronze and iron are used," he added.

In an informal meeting, the association may meet the Chief I-T Commissioner today to discuss the situation.

The artisan association Bangiya Sarno Silpi Samity have also joined the strike.

However, branded jewellery chains like Tanishq remained open on Monday.