Surat : Kiran Gems Faces Backlash After Sudden Layoffs of Diamond Artisans

Surat : Kiran Gems, the world-renowned diamond manufacturer in Surat has drawn severe criticism and protests following the abrupt termination of 80 highly skilled diamond artisans from its subsidiary company, JD Milan in Kapodara, Surat. This move has left the artisans, who have been part of the Kiran Gems family for the past two decades, suddenly unemployed.

Vallabh Lakhani, the chairman of Kiran Gems and also known for his association with the Surat Diamond Bourse, found himself under scrutiny after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the grand Surat Diamond Bourse on December 17. Despite Lakhani’s promises of generating over 1.5 lakh new jobs through this project, the recent layoffs have raised questions about the company’s commitment to its workforce.

The affected artisans, expressing their anguish, gathered outside the company premises in Kapodara, raising slogans against the high-handed actions of the company owners.

Chaturbhai, one of the artisans who lost his job, lamented, “We have dedicated two decades of our lives to Kiran Gems. Despite Vallabh Lakhani’s grand promises and colossal projects like the Surat Diamond Bourse, he’s now taking away our livelihoods for his own gains.”

The sudden job losses have prompted the artisans to seek recourse through legal means. They are demanding three months’ wages and adherence to labor laws from Kiran Gems. The aggrieved artisans have taken their grievances to Ratna Kalakar Sangh, seeking support and representation in this tumultuous time.

“Crores of rupees were spent for the inauguration of Surat Diamond Bourse by Vallabh Lakhani, but they can’t shoulder the responsibilities of the artisans and their families. We have nowhere to go. How we are going to nourish our families?” asked a laid-off diamond artisan.

Kiran Gems, with an annual turnover of Rs 17,000 crore, stands as a titan in the diamond industry. However, its recent actions have brought into question its commitment to its workforce, especially amidst the grandeur of its chairman’s ambitious projects.

The artisans, in their representation at Ratna Kalakar Sangh, have emphasized the need for immediate financial support, requesting three months’ salary and gratuity to sustain their families during this unforeseen period of unemployment.

The developments at Kiran Gems have sparked a wave of discontent among the artisan community, highlighting the disparity between grand promises and ground realities. As the artisans fight for their rights, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Vallabh Lakhani and Kiran Gems, awaiting their response to this mounting backlash.