Surat diamond workers demand welfare board as exports fall

Randeep Singh Surjewala, the newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP, has called for the establishment of a ‘Diamond Workers' Welfare Board’ to support workers in Surat. He cited an economic crisis in the sector, noting that diamond exports have reportedly fallen from USD 24 billion to USD 12 billion.

Surjewala stated that between 1.2 and 1.4 million diamond workers are facing economic hardship due to an international slowdown and policy challenges. The proposed welfare board would aim to provide salary security for up to 24 months, cover medical expenses, and offer financial assistance to families during periods of unemployment.

Additionally, Surjewala advocated for relief for the textile industry, specifically requesting the removal of the five per cent GST on fabric to support centers like Surat, Tiruppur, and Ludhiana. He also raised concerns regarding recent paper leaks and irregularities in educational examinations, promising that the Congress party would challenge the government on these issues through a ‘New Agenda for New Gujarat’.