Surat Diamantaire Steps Up to Aid Struggling Workers' Families Amid Industry Downturn

In response to a significant downturn in Surat's diamond industry, a local diamantaire has provided financial assistance to families of workers to cover school fees, sparking calls for similar initiatives industry-wide. Factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and low Chinese demand have severely impacted the industry, resulting in job losses and reduced salaries.

Amid a downturn in Surat’s diamond industry, a city-based diamantaire has stepped in to assist families of struggling workers with their children's school fees, prompting industry representatives to call for more such initiatives.

About 90% of the world's rough diamonds are cut and polished in Surat by around one million workers employed in over 2,500 units. Due to factors like the Russia-Ukraine war and weak demand from China, approximately 50,000 workers have become jobless this year, and those employed have seen their salaries cut by around 30%, said Bhavesh Tank, vice president of the Surat Diamond Workers Union.

Chairman of Surat-based Dharmanandan Diamonds, Lalji Patel, has offered Rs 15,000 each to 40 students, with cheques being distributed to their families at an event in the city on Sunday. Patel emphasized the importance of ensuring the education of the children of recession-hit diamond workers is not affected and called for other companies to take similar actions.