Hundreds of diamond workers in Gujarat’s Surat staged a protest on Sunday, demanding a salary hike and a relief package as the industry grapples with a severe slowdown. Some workers have gone on an indefinite strike, citing a 50% pay cut that has worsened financial distress among them.
The protestors, primarily diamond cutters and polishers, held a peaceful march from Katargam to Kapodara Hira Baug, covering a distance of about 5 km. They are calling for the establishment of a welfare board, a salary increase, and financial assistance for the families of workers who have died by suicide due to economic hardship.
Widespread Impact on Surat’s Diamond Industry
Surat is a major global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, with around 10 lakh workers employed in more than 2,500 units. The city processes nearly 90% of the world’s rough diamonds. However, the industry has been struggling for the past two years, leading to financial strain among workers.
Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) Vice-President Bhavesh Tank highlighted the worsening conditions:
“The severe recession in the diamond industry has made it difficult for workers to sustain their households. Many have been forced to take drastic steps, with several suicides reported in the past year due to financial distress.”
A delegation recently submitted a proposal to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, urging several measures, including:
- Inflation-adjusted salary hikes
- Increased diamond prices
- Formation of a welfare board
- Scrapping of professional tax on workers
- Financial assistance for bereaved families
- Fixed work hours
Workers Demand Protection Under Labour Laws
Tank also pointed out that many workers are deprived of basic labour law benefits, such as provident funds, bonuses, salary slips, overtime pay, and gratuity. “This has led to one-sided development in the diamond industry, where only the manufacturers benefit while workers struggle,” he added.
With nearly two lakh workers refusing to join work starting Sunday, the strike is expected to impact the sector significantly.
Industry Leaders Seek Government Support
Surat Diamond Association President Jagdish Khunt acknowledged the ongoing slowdown and stressed the need for government intervention. “Several diamond cutting and polishing units have been struggling for two years. The industry needs economic support to sustain itself,” he said.
While Khunt clarified that workers’ salaries have not been reduced, he admitted that they haven’t received a hike in more than two years due to the financial crunch faced by manufacturers.
Helpline Launched for Distressed Workers
To address growing financial distress, the DWUG launched a helpline in July last year. Hundreds of workers have called seeking assistance for paying school fees, house rent, and loan EMIs.
Sources By Agencies
