Surat’s diamond manufacturing sector in dire straits

Surat, often referred to as the diamond city, is currently experiencing significant challenges. The ongoing drop in demand for diamonds in global markets has led to the diamond industry facing its most significant recession in half a century, says FPJ.

In Surat and various regions of Gujarat, a significant workforce of 17 lakh individuals is engaged in the intricate tasks of diamond cutting and polishing. In Surat, the families of 11 lakh workers rely on the cutting and polishing of rough diamonds for their livelihoods. However, an unprecedented recession has led to a significant job crisis affecting all workers.

Approximately 90 percent, or 1,000 diamond units utilizing two to three emery wheels, have ceased operations, resulting in over 200,000 individuals facing unemployment.  Reports indicate that the earnings of diamond workers in the factories have seen a decline of 20-50%.

Dinesh Navadia, chairman of the Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), emphasized that when the diamond sector, which contributes significantly to government revenue, faces challenges, it is imperative for the government to introduce a support scheme for the workers in the industry. It is essential for different industry organizations to extend their support to workers in need.