Diamond Industry Gets a Boost: Salary Hike Approved after High-Stakes Meet with Labour Dept

Diamond Polishers to Get Salary Hike in Surat: Industry Unites to Address Crisis

In a significant step towards addressing the financial woes of diamond polishers in Surat, the Diamond Merchants Association and Diamond Workers Union, Gujarat (DWUG) have proposed a salary hike in a meeting with Labour Department officials. The commitment to increasing salaries comes as a welcome relief, following a recent rise in suicides among diamond polishers in the region.

Earlier, the DWUG had submitted a memorandum to Surat district collector Dr. Sourabh Pardhi, urging the state government to implement a scheme to support diamond polishers financially. The collective effort is a testament to the industry’s willingness to coalesce and address the pressing issue of salary cuts. Surat, once the epicenter of the diamond industry, has faced a sharp decline in demand for polished diamonds over the past two years, leading to financial struggles for polishers.

"We agree that the salary of diamond polishers should be increased," said Deputy Labour Commissioner M C Karia, underscoring the consensus among stakeholders. "We require industry players to gather data on salary structures for each procedure, and we will strive to develop a possible solution before March 31." Karia’s words were echoed by Surat Diamond Association President Jagdish Khunt, who emphasized the importance of preserving the industry’s momentum.

The meeting, attended by key industry leaders, including Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council Gujarat Chairman Jayenti Savalia, Lab Grown Diamond Association President Babubhai Vaghani, and Indian Diamond Institute President Dinesh Davadia, concluded with a united front: a salary hike for diamond polishers. The industry’s recovery is contingent upon supporting its most vulnerable workers, acknowledged Kingshuk Jiliriya, DWUG President.

As the industry inches towards recovery, with demand slowly resurging from international markets, the attention now shifts to implementing tangible change. With over 50 diamond polishers having taken their own lives in the past 18 months, the urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated. As Surat district collector Dr. Sourabh Pardhi orders a report on the financial condition of diamond polishers and businessmen, one thing is clear: the diamond industry, driven by the collective efforts of stakeholders, is poised to take a crucial step towards revival and social responsibility.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/salary-hike-approved-as-labour-dept-holds-meet-with-diamond-workers-merchants-9895592/
Category : Ahmedabad,Cities
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Publish Date: 2025-03-20 04:15:00