Surat Diamond Industry Faces Crisis, CM Bhupendra Patel Promises Aid

Ahmedabad : Many diamond workers in Surat, the largest diamond cutting and polishing center globally, along with others in Gujarat, are facing significant challenges. With job losses and wage reductions of nearly 50% due to an unprecedented recession in the diamond industry, they are anxiously anticipating the State Government’s announcement of a relief package and additional support measures. 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has promised that the Gujarat government is considering the challenges faced by diamond workers in the state amid the ongoing recession, with plans for corrective measures to be revealed in the coming days.  Patel made this announcement following discussions with several diamond associations from Gujarat, including IDI, Ahmedabad Diamond Association, Visnagar, Palanpur, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar Diamond Associations, on Tuesday.

In light of the challenging circumstances faced by diamond workers amid a downturn in the diamond sector, representatives from various diamond associations across Gujarat convened with Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel to request government assistance. 

Nine out of every ten diamonds that are cut and polished globally come from Surat.  In addition to this, significant diamond cutting and polishing activities are taking place in cities such as Saurashtra, North Gujarat, and Ahmedabad.  However, the diamond sector is currently experiencing the most prolonged downturn seen in the past half-century.  The ongoing recession over the past two and a half years has significantly deteriorated the economic situation for diamond workers. 

The industry leaders are advocating for the government to implement suitable measures for the benefit of diamond workers.  On Tuesday, a meeting took place involving state education minister Praful Pansheria, Indian Diamond Institute chairman Dinesh Navadiya, and several association presidents including Ishwar Prajapati from the Visnagar Diamond Association, Narsinh Kanani from the Ahmedabad Diamond Association, Vijay Patel from the Junagadh Diamond Association, Ghanshyam Gorasia from the Bhavnagar Diamond Association, and Jaysukh Koldia from the Ahmedabad Association, along with Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel.  The leaders of the diamond industry addressed several issues concerning the jewelers.  The Chief Minister announced that the government will implement definitive measures on this matter within the next 48 hours.

Dinesh Navadiya, Chairman of the Indian Diamond Institute, announced that the office bearers from various diamond associations in Gujarat convened for a meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel.  The Chief Minister provided a positive reply.  The Chief Minister announced that assistance for diamond workers is a priority, and a comprehensive plan will be presented within the next 48 hours.