Over 100 Diamond Workers Laid Off in Surat Ahead of Diwali

Surat | Gujarat — All hell broke loose on Rajesh Vachani, a 49-year-old diamond worker, when the owners of Krish Diam, a diamond company in Surat’s Katargam area, abruptly asked him to leave the premises on Wednesday. After working for the company for 17 long years, Rajesh was dismissed without explanation. With Diwali approaching, he now faces the terrifying uncertainty of how to feed his family and manage expenses.

“I have given my life to this company, and they threw me out like garbage,” Rajesh told The Blunt Times. “How will I buy clothes, sweets, or even basic groceries for my children during Diwali? My entire world has collapsed.”

Rajesh’s story is not an isolated one. Following the United States’ 50% tariff on Indian goods, including diamonds and jewellery, Surat’s diamond industry has begun showing cracks. Krish Diam has already laid off more than 100 workers and plans to axe another 100 in the coming weeks.

Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of the Diamond Workers’ Union Gujarat (DWUG), confirmed the development. “The industry is bracing for dark days ahead. The owners of Krish Diam have kicked out over 100 workers and are preparing for another round of layoffs. What’s worse, the company has not paid gratuity or other benefits owed to the workers,” Tank said.

Adding to the outrage, workers alleged the company was using them as pawns in a money-laundering operation. According to employees, they were paid ₹15,000 officially while the company deposited ₹25,000–₹30,000 in their bank accounts to convert black money into white.

Vinesh Kholakiya, who had been with Krish Diam for five years, said he too was dismissed overnight. “I was earning ₹35,000 a month. Yesterday, I was told not to report for work anymore, without any reason. Finding new work is nearly impossible now after the US tariff. If the government doesn’t help, workers like us will be forced into desperate steps—even suicide,” he said in a choked voice.

Union leaders are preparing for a legal battle. “We will lodge complaints with the Factory Inspector, Labour Department, and PF Department,” said Tank. “Not a single retrenched worker has been paid their rightful dues.”

Industry insiders reveal the situation could worsen. Many small and medium diamond units have slashed production by up to 90%, while bigger players are allegedly seeking ways to bypass US restrictions by routing exports through Dubai and Antwerp.

For now, the glittering diamond capital of the world is clouded by despair. With Diwali approaching, families of retrenched workers fear not just a joyless festival, but a bleak future.

“Surat has cut diamonds for the world for centuries,” said Tank. “But today, it’s the workers who are being cut off—without justice, without dignity.”