As many as 10,000 diamond workers have lost their jobs in Surat, as revealed by the Diamond Workers Union.
As per the Union, the loss of jobs is because of the reduced production and closing of small units.
10,000 Diamond Workers Lose Jobs Due To Reduced Production
Thousands of workers are finding it difficult to provide for their families as a result of job losses, according to Ramesh Jilariya, president of the Surat Diamond Workers Union.
He continued, “Many people are finding it challenging to regularly pay EMIs on housing or auto loans, as well as their children’s school costs and daily living expenses.
Vipul Jinjala, a 31-year-old diamond worker, allegedly committed suicide on January 19 after ingesting poison. He leaves behind his wife and two kids.
Vipul’s younger brother Paresh claimed that he had been struggling financially for the past few months as a result of a salary reduction amidst rising inflation. He claimed that his brother’s struggle to make ends meet may have contributed to his suicide.
In the meantime, the union is calling on the state government to strictly enforce labour laws in the diamond industry and to cover the workers under the Factory Act, which grants them the same social and health security benefits as other workers such as ESCI, provident funds, and fixed hours.
India’s Diamond Exports Declined by 18.9%
According to data, India’s finished diamond exports in December 2022 totaled $2356.70 million, a decrease of 18.90% from the $2905 million in December 2021.
Mangukia added that because of this, production units must reduce their output. He denied, however, that there are thousands of unemployed labourers. “Production cuts are not achieved by firing employees; rather, units have decreased working hours from 12 to 10 or 8 hours and now units give two weekly offs,” he said.
Jilariya claimed that fewer diamonds were cut and polished as a result of the shorter workweeks and more frequent weekly vacations. These actions are disastrous for the workers, he continued, as their salaries are dependent on output and performance.
According to Nanubhai Vekariya, president of the Surat Diamond Association, no diamond units have shut down in the previous two to three months. While the economy is operating at full capacity, there is an unnecessary uproar about the recession. 7 lakh workers are employed by about 3000 units in Surat, he asserted.
