Surat : Diamond Workers’ Union Issues Ultimatum for Demands 

Surat : The Diamond Workers’ Union Gujarat (DWUG), representing thousands of diamond artisans in the region, has issued a stern ultimatum to the leaders of the diamond industry to resolves the demands before the inauguration of Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB).

The ultimatum comes just before the inauguration of the SDB, world’s largest office building, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, demanding swift action to address the pressing concerns of diamond artisans who have been deeply affected by economic hardships.

The diamond industry, which has long been a pillar of Gujarat’s economy, is currently facing a severe recession, leading to thousands of artisans in Surat and other diamond cutting and polishing centers losing their livelihoods. One of the primary issues raised by DWUG office-bearers is the drastic reduction in wages, ranging from 30% to 50%, as diamond companies and units have implemented production cuts in response to the challenging economic climate.

The demands put forth by DWUG are as follows:

Announcement of an Economic Package:

DWUG is urging the government to announce an economic package specifically aimed at supporting the struggling diamond artisans. This package is expected to provide financial relief and assistance to the artisans and help revive the industry.

Launch of the Ratnadeep Yojana:

The implementation of the “Ratnadeep Yojana” is sought to boost the growth and sustainability of the diamond industry through incentives, subsidies, and other support measures.

Abolition of Professional Tax:

To alleviate the financial burden on the diamond artisans, the demand is to abolish the professional tax, which can be particularly onerous for those engaged in the industry.

Provision of Financial Assistance to Families of Artisans:

DWUG is calling for a support system to provide financial assistance to the families of artisans who, sadly, have resorted to suicide due to the financial crisis within the diamond industry.

Constitution of a Diamond Artisans Welfare Board:

The creation of a dedicated welfare board is suggested to address various issues affecting the diamond artisans, safeguard their rights, promote skill development, and ensure their overall well-being.

The current economic climate has forced many diamond units to shut down for the Diwali vacation, with no clear dates for reopening. Rising inflation and falling wages have left the diamond artisans struggling to make ends meet. Tragically, in the past five months, approximately 30 diamond artisans have taken their own lives due to the dire financial crisis in Surat.

Ramesh Jilariya, the president of DWUG, stressed the urgency of resolving these demands before the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse, emphasizing the critical need to address the issues faced by the artisans.

Despite representations made to the Chief Minister and the Minister of Labor and Employment, the plight of the artisans remains unresolved.

Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of DWUG, added, “It is our feeling and demand that the problem of the jewelers should be resolved before the opening of the diamond bursary to be built at Surat, because it is very serious that the future of the jewelers is dark when the diamond industry has become bright through hard work.”