Surat: Aid Approved for 50,241 Children of Jobless Diamond Workers

The Gujarat government has approved financial support for 50,241 children of unemployed diamond workers in Surat, offering a major relief package to families impacted by the downturn in the industry.

A total of Rs 65.50 crore has been sanctioned to cover school fees, with assistance capped at Rs 13,500 per child. The scheme is targeted at children of diamond polishers and cutters who lost their jobs after 31 March 2024, reported The Times of India.

Officials confirmed that of the 74,268 applications received, 47,599 have been approved, while 26,669 were rejected due to duplication, incomplete forms, or applicants not meeting the criteria.

Surat, which handles over 80 per cent of the world’s diamond cutting and polishing, has been facing challenges following declining global demand and recent tariff hikes. Job losses have directly affected household incomes, prompting state support through this scheme.

The assistance is aimed at ensuring children’s education is not disrupted due to economic difficulties faced by families in the sector. Industry bodies have welcomed the move but emphasised the need for broader measures to revive the diamond trade and safeguard jobs.