Support package for diamond industry announced
Surat: A couple of months after various district level diamond associations in the state put their demands to chief minister Bhupendra Patel, the state govt announced a support package for unemployed diamond artisans and diamond units affected by the global slowdown.
The govt announced support towards school fees, loan interest and electricity duty.
Some 12 lakh workers are employed by the diamond industry in Surat and other parts of the state. The industry has been in crisis for three years as demand and prices of natural diamonds have fallen significantly. Due to war and conflicts between countries and a slowdown in major economies such as the US and China, there has been a sharp drop in demand.
Under the support package, 100% of the school fees of jobless diamond artisans will be paid for each child, up to a maximum of Rs 13,500 per child per year. This assistance will be paid to schools through the direct benefits transfer (DBT) system, according to the guidelines of the education department.
"To ensure that children of jobless diamond artisans do not face difficulties in their education and are not deprived of learning, assistance for school fees is being provided.
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Similarly, for affected smaller diamond units, the govt is announcing support," said Harsh Sanghvi, minister of state for home and industries.
Diamond artisans who lost their jobs after March 31, 2024, will be eligible. Additionally, the artisan must be over 21 years of age, have worked for at least three years in a diamond industry unit, and currently be unemployed. They should submit an application to the district industries centre (DIC) within two months from the date of the package announcement.
The application must include a certificate from either the district labour officer, employment officer, or a recommendation letter from the Surat Diamond Association, as well as a certificate from the child's school regarding the school fees.
Similarly, while announcing assistance for diamond units, Sanghvi added that special support has been determined to ensure the stability of these units. Under this, an interest subsidy will be provided on term loans up to a maximum capital of Rs 5 lakh at the rate of 9% for three years (from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028).
Additionally, the units will be exempted from electricity duty for one year starting from July 1, 2025.
Units wishing to avail of the assistance must apply to the DIC within one month from the date of the announcement, submitting proof such as Udyam Registration, loan sanction letter, GST registration, turnover details of the last three financial years, and electricity consumption records.
"The package was announced considering various factors and will benefit those who need support.
The relief will be provided based on applications by the affected persons," said Sanghvi.
In March, a delegation of leaders of various district diamond associations met chief minister Bhupendra Patel and made a representation about the critical condition of the industry and diamond artisans. "At the time of representation, CM Patel assured us relief, and we are happy that the govt has announced a package. The govt is considering providing Rs 4 lakh assistance to the families of the 62 diamond artisans who ended their lives after verification," said Dinesh Navadiya, co-ordinator of All Gujarat Diamond Associations (AGDA).
Navadiya added that the govt should consider support for diamond artisans whose salary has been reduced by over 30%.
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