Surat, March 30 – As the prolonged slowdown in Surat's diamond industry continues to worsen, thousands of gem artisans have taken to the streets demanding urgent government intervention. Facing severe economic hardship and no resolution despite repeated appeals to authorities, the Diamond Workers' Union has called for a two-day strike on March 30 and 31. On Sunday, over 5,000 diamond workers participated in a rally from Katargam Darwaja to Varachha Hira Baug to voice their grievances.
The union has put forward three key demands to the government, including a 30 percent wage increase, financial support for the families of artisans who have died by suicide, and concrete measures to revive the struggling diamond sector. According to union representative Bhavesh Tank, the workers had given the government sufficient time to act, but with no decisions forthcoming, the strike became the only option left.
The rally began at 9 a.m. from Katargam Darwaja, passing through Nandudoshi ni Wadi and Kiran Chowk before reaching its final destination at Varachha Hira Baug. Police deployed heavy security along the route to ensure peaceful proceedings.
Diamond artisans expressed frustration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the Surat Diamond Association, accusing them of ignoring the worsening conditions in the industry. Despite the situation deteriorating over the past two and a half years, workers claim that neither organization has offered any meaningful support or solutions.
As per agency report, the union plans to assess its next steps on Monday, the second day of the strike. If the government does not respond with concrete action, workers have warned that the protest may intensify further in the coming days.
