VELLORE: Social concern and cleanliness will be the mantra for over 300 jewellers and pawn brokers in Vellore as they join their counterparts in other districts of the state in downing shutters till April 10. Over 4,600 shops, including 600 jewellery stores and 4,000 pawn shops, will remain closed from April 4 in protest against the rise in the import tax on gold. Secretary of the Vellore District Jewellers and Pawn Brokers Association, Rameshkumar said, “Following an intimation about the closure of shops from our parent association to mark and protest the increase of import tax from two to four per cent and the introduction of excise duty, we planned to close the shops till April 10th. But, we also thought that this is a chance to look beyond our business.” Following this, the members of the district association came up with many social ideas that could help the needy and create awareness among the public as well. “We will open a water pandal at the Main Bazaar in Vellore on Thursday where we will be distributing drinking water and butter milk. Our members individually or jointly, will sponsor these events or funds from the association will be utilised,” he added.The association also plans to clear plastic waste scattered on the roads inside the Vellore Fort. Talks are on with the Vellore Corporation regarding the disposal of the plastic waste and sending it to their godown to utilise it for laying plastic roads. Around 30 persons will be involved in this for three days. Discussions are on for cleaning the roads where the jewellery stores are located. A meeting in this regard was held on Wednesday. Association President Srinath and members attended.
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