Surat Diamond Recession Forces 603 Students to Leave Schools

Surat : As the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in Surat grapples with the challenges of recession, with more than 50% of the diamond units still closed following the Diwali vacation, another startling development has emerged. In the Varachha area, approximately 603 children of diamond workers enrolled in the Nagar Prathamik Shikshan Samiti (NPSS) schools run by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) have discontinued their studies and have been issued Leaving Certificates (LC). 

Varachha, a center for diamond production, hosts tens of thousands of diamond workers residing in rental accommodations. 

Experts suggest that the primary factor contributing to this situation is the deceleration in the diamond sector. In a remarkable statistic, it is noted that a staggering 90 out of every 100 diamonds globally undergo cutting and polishing in the city of Surat. However, the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, as well as Israel and Hamas, are causing a deceleration in the diamond sector. The Diwali break has been prolonged, and notably, a majority of the diamond factories and industries remain inactive even after the holiday period.

The current circumstances have significantly impacted the livelihoods of numerous diamond workers. A significant number of children of diamond workers attend primary schools operated by the SMC in the Varachha zone. A total of 603 children from these schools have officially received their LC.

According to NPSS chairman Rajendra Kapadia, the Varachha zone is home to a total of 50 schools. Students from families of diamond workers primarily pursue their education at this institution following their enrollment. In a recent development, it has been reported that over 603 students have departed from these 50 schools following the acquisition of their leaving certificates. We must conduct an investigation and seek a report in the upcoming days regarding the reasons behind these students obtaining their LC from the schools.

He further stated that it seems that because of the downturn in the diamond market, the workers in that industry may have had to take loans for their children’s needs. The departure of students from schools could be attributed to the economic downturn affecting their factories or nearby businesses. The current record is accessible following the Diwali vacation. An inquiry will be conducted to gather information regarding the reasons behind the departure of these students from the schools. We will also review the admission process for students from Saurashtra and nearby regions. We will implement measures to guarantee that their education continues smoothly.

Bhavesh Tank, the Vice President of the Diamond Workers Union, reported that the organization has been facing numerous complaints, including salary cuts and cases of termination. Employees in the diamond sector are facing challenges in managing their household costs as their salaries have been slashed by almost half by the diamond companies. On the other hand, increasing inflation is intensifying the difficulties encountered by low-income workers.

“Families of diamond workers are compelled to depart from Surat as the industry faces a significant downturn.” The majority of the small diamond units remain closed for the time being. A significant number of individuals have departed for their hometowns in Saurashtra. “We urge the State Government to step in and declare a relief package for the impacted diamond artisans,” stated Tank.