PATNA: Customers with their faces covered will not be allowed inside jewellery shops in Bihar. The decision was taken by the Bihar unit of all india jewellers and gold federation at a meeting with the district jewellers’ associations on Tuesday, citing security reasons as gold and silver prices have been on the rise, federation president Ashok Kumar Verma said.Patna jewellers have already started putting notices to this effect outside their shops. Verma said the decision is not against any community or group, but only a pre-emptive security measure.The federation’s president, Pankaj Arora, said on Wednesday the decision will gradually be implemented across the country. “Customer’s face must be visible. He or she will not be allowed to enter a jewellery shop in any kind of veil, be it ‘hijab’, full helmet or ‘pagdi/safa’ (turban). There is no restriction on ‘burqa’ as such but no veil,” he said.Arora said a similar decision was taken by Jhansi jewellers a few days ago following the incidents of theft in shops. “But Bihar is the first to implement it across the state. Even police question us about the identity in case of loot or theft as the person with face covered is not identified in the CCTV cameras.”Asked if it would affect business or what if a customer refuses to abide, Verma, who was in Delhi to attend the CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) meeting, said any genuine person will cooperate. “Only anti-social elements will resist. But we will politely refuse to serve them. In case of any trouble, we will inform the police. After all, a 10gm gold chain costs around Rs 1.41 lakh and silver is over Rs 2.5 lakh/kg. We can’t take any risk as jewellers are the soft target of criminals,” he said.Minister and LJP(RV) neta Sanjay Singh said the move will act as a deterrent.” A BJP spokesperson said, “What’s wrong if jewellers take a decision to protect their businesses out of security concerns.”About the AuthorJai Narain PandeyThe writer has a vast experience of over 30 years in the field of journalism, as a reporter and a news editor. He has officiated as a bureau head and presided over the local desk in Patna and abroad. He has covered a variety of topics, from politics to sports, in India and abroad. He has covered top golfers and tennis players in tournaments held in Doha (Qatar).Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosImran Khan’s Family Stages Prayer Protest After Being Barred From Meeting Him At Adiala JailImran Khan’s Sister Aleema, PTI Members Hold Prayers Outside Adiala Jail After Meet DeniedTharoor Flags UN Charter Violations, Voices Concern Over US Action In VenezuelaUS Issues Blunt Warning To Indian Students: Breaking Laws May Cost Visas, Careers And Future DreamsCongress-BJP Tie-Up Claims In Ambernath Create Rift, Put Mahayuti Alliance Under Fresh Strain“Worst Kind of Discrimination in PoJK”: UKPNP Chairman Flags Deepening CrisisNo Compromise On Terror: PM Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu Reaffirm India Israel Strategic PartnershipOwaisi Slams MCD Demolition, Says Turkman Gate Land Fully Belongs To WaqfNehru Catered To Liaquat Ali Khan, Ignored Somnath History: BJP MP Sudhanshu TrivediUS FARA Filings Expose How Pakistan Lobbied Washington To Somehow Stop India’s Operation Sindoor123PhotostoriesFrom films to music, the lesser known sides of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ director Farhan Akhtar9 mistakes to avoid while making biryani at homeWinter Special: How to make traditional Besan Ka Sheera at home5 adorable-looking animals that are surprisingly deadly5 red flags people often ignore in friendships (But shouldn’t!)6 classic non-vegetarian Cutlets to enjoy during winter monthsVijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ to Prabhas’ ‘The Raja Saab’: Biggest South releases for Pongal 2026Can you guess the temples and places featured on INR 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 currency notes?How to add smoky flavour to winter dishes without using a tandoor at home”I just read somewhere that 20% of American meals are consumed in a car!” Sadhguru shares tips on the right way to eat food123Hot PicksBudget 2026Venezuela NewsGold rate todayStock Market TodayCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMLB Trade RumorsTommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood Net WorthTravis KelceTaylor SwiftJimmie Johnson Net WorthEdward CabreraJamahal HillValentino Rossi and Francesca Sofia Novello Net WorthBrad Marchand Net WorthNHL Trade Rumor
PATNA: Customers with their faces covered will not be allowed inside jewellery shops in Bihar. The decision was taken by the Bihar unit of all india jewellers and gold federation at a meeting with the district jewellers’ associations on Tuesday, citing security reasons as gold and silver prices have been on the rise, federation president Ashok Kumar Verma said.Patna jewellers have already started putting notices to this effect outside their shops. Verma said the decision is not against any community or group, but only a pre-emptive security measure.The federation’s president, Pankaj Arora, said on Wednesday the decision will gradually be implemented across the country. “Customer’s face must be visible. He or she will not be allowed to enter a jewellery shop in any kind of veil, be it ‘hijab’, full helmet or ‘pagdi/safa’ (turban). There is no restriction on ‘burqa’ as such but no veil,” he said.Arora said a similar decision was taken by Jhansi jewellers a few days ago following the incidents of theft in shops. “But Bihar is the first to implement it across the state. Even police question us about the identity in case of loot or theft as the person with face covered is not identified in the CCTV cameras.”Asked if it would affect business or what if a customer refuses to abide, Verma, who was in Delhi to attend the CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) meeting, said any genuine person will cooperate. “Only anti-social elements will resist. But we will politely refuse to serve them. In case of any trouble, we will inform the police. After all, a 10gm gold chain costs around Rs 1.41 lakh and silver is over Rs 2.5 lakh/kg. We can’t take any risk as jewellers are the soft target of criminals,” he said.Minister and LJP(RV) neta Sanjay Singh said the move will act as a deterrent.” A BJP spokesperson said, “What’s wrong if jewellers take a decision to protect their businesses out of security concerns.”
