Surat: The ongoing recession in the diamond industry, fueled by economic sanctions on Russia by the European Union and the United States, has led to the loss of 10,000 jobs in Surat, according to Ramesh Jilaria and Bhavesh Tank, President and Vice-President of the Gujarat Diamond Workers Union, respectively. These sanctions have significantly impacted the import of rough diamonds, resulting in a shortage of raw materials and massive losses for the city's diamond industry.
The crisis has already claimed the lives of four jewelers, including a woman, who succumbed to financial pressure. With the increasing number of job losses and economic hardships, there is a rise in suicide incidents among jewelers. The Heera Shramik Sangh (Diamond Workers Union) has approached various departments of the Gujarat Government to address the issues faced by jewelers in the industry, but to no avail.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Diamond Workers Union has demanded that the government declare the Ratnadeep Yojana, an economic package for jewelers, and provide financial assistance to the families of deceased jewelers. At a time when inflation is on the rise, wages for artisans are decreasing instead of increasing.
The reduction in production has led to shorter working hours and two days off per week, directly impacting workers' wages. Artisans are struggling financially due to low wages, and some factories are considering declaring holidays, while others face potential closure. Consequently, the number of workers being laid off from various factories is steadily increasing.
