Surat : Giriraj (name changed), a young diamond craftsman, considered suicide after losing his job in April. Giriraj borrowed approximately Rs 20 lakh from his friends last year to acquire a home in a residential apartment in Puna. Giriraj planned to commit suicide after being without a work for four months. However, he called the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG)’s helpline number and obtained advice from office bearers. Giriraj abandoned his suicidal thoughts after receiving encouragement from his wife and thinking about their only daughter.
Another diamond artisan, Naresh (name changed), worked for a reputable diamond company in Surat. He was sacked a few months ago by the company’s owner, along with 25 other diamond artisans. Naresh chose to commit himself because his financial situation was bad. He then contacted DWUG’s helpline, where he was counselled. DWUG members supported him with rations and covered his daughter’s school expenses. Naresh is looking for work while also enjoying life with his wife and daughter.
These are only a few cases of unemployed diamond artisans who were rescued by the DWUG from suicide. However, in the previous two months, the DWUG has counseled over 1,600 diamond artisans in the Surat diamond industry, who are transitioning out of a difficult era of their lives.
In the five-decade history of the Surat diamond industry, the prolonged recession has exacerbated the financial situation of tens of thousands of diamond workers. In the previous 18 months, around 65 diamond artisans have committed suicide after losing their jobs in the diamond industry.
According to DWUG officials, around 112 diamond artisans contacted the helpline, alleging that they do not have rations to feed their families. However, ration packages are manufactured and distributed to diamond artisans on a monthly basis.
Approximately 1,000 diamond artisans reported that they do not have jobs to support their family. However, the DWUG has employed approximately 60 diamond artisans in several diamond enterprises in Surat. About 200 diamond artisans were assisted in paying the school fees of their wards.
According to Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of DWUG, “The condition of diamond artisans in the Surat diamond industry is pitiful.” The working hours in the diamond units have been lowered from 12 to 8-9 hours, which has a direct influence on monthly wages. After the 10-day break, many diamond artisans would lose their jobs.”
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