Surat : Diamond Workers Threaten Agitation Ahead of PM Modi Visit

Surat: The Diamond Worker Union Gujarat (DWUG) has threatened to launch a major agitation ahead of PM Modi visit to Surat for the inauguration of Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on December 17. The union is demanding that the Gujarat government address the long-standing grievances of diamond artisans regarding their economic and financial well-being.

In a memorandum submitted to the Surat district collector, DWUG officials stated that over 25 lakh diamond artisans are employed in the industry across Gujarat. However, a majority of these workers are denied the minimum wage benefits guaranteed by labor laws.

Adding to the workers’ woes, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in widespread job losses in the diamond industry. Hundreds of artisans were rendered jobless in the months leading up to Diwali, and many small and medium-sized diamond units remain closed even after the festival season. This has pushed many artisans into a cycle of debt and mental distress as they struggle to repay personal loans taken from private financiers.

“More than 30 diamond artisans in Surat have committed suicide in recent months due to financial burden,” stated Bhavesh Tank, Vice-President of DWUG. He further expressed concern about the G7 countries’ decision to ban Russian diamonds by January 2024, fearing it will further darken the future of the industry and its workforce.

DWUG officials highlighted the irony that while the diamond barons have constructed the world’s largest office building, the Surat Diamond Bourse, scheduled to be inaugurated by PM Modi, the artisans who form the backbone of the industry have been neglected and left to fend for themselves financially.

The union has issued a series of demands to the Gujarat government, including:

An economic package for jobless diamond artisans.

The launch of the Ratnadeep Yojana for the upliftment of the artisans.

Abolition of professional tax for diamond workers.

Financial relief package for the families of diamond artisans who have committed suicide.

The DWUG has warned of a major protest if their demands are not met before PM Modi’s visit to Surat. This potential disruption could cast a shadow over the inauguration ceremony and highlight the plight of the diamond industry’s workforce.