Surat Diamond Workers Signal Political Shift Over Tax Burden

Surat | Gujarat — Mounting anger over professional tax deductions and worsening financial stress has pushed diamond workers in Surat to send a strong political message ahead of local body elections: vote for the party that promises to abolish the tax.

The announcement comes amid growing frustration in the world’s largest diamond cutting hub, where workers say they are paying professional tax without receiving even basic employment benefits.

“Tax Without Benefits Is Morally Wrong”

Bhavesh Tank, Vice-President of the Diamond Workers’ Union Gujarat, called the situation deeply unfair.

“Diamond workers pay professional tax but receive no salary slips, no provident fund, no ESIC, no identity cards and no job security. Collecting tax without providing benefits is morally illegal,” Tank said.

He added that in most industries, employers pay the tax, but in Surat’s diamond sector it is deducted directly from workers’ wages. “This injustice has continued for years. Now workers want change,” he said.

Rejected Education Aid Sparks Outrage

The anger intensified after around 26,000 applications from diamond workers seeking state education assistance for their children were rejected. Workers allege that benefits went to those who were financially secure, while struggling families were left out.

“We applied hoping our children would get support for studies. Instead, we were rejected without explanation,” said Ramesh Patel, a diamond polisher. “We are paying taxes but receiving nothing in return.”

Industry Recession Deepens Crisis

The demand for reform comes at a time when the diamond industry continues to face a prolonged slowdown. Workers claim wages have fallen even as inflation rises, leaving families under severe financial strain.

“In the last two years, more than 80 jewellers have died by suicide and thousands have lost jobs,” Tank said. “We repeatedly demanded a welfare board and economic package, but our voices were ignored.”

Call for Change at the Ballot Box

The union has now appealed to workers to support candidates who promise relief.

“This is a humble request to every diamond worker — vote for change,” Tank said. “We need policies that protect workers, not burden them.”