Diamantaire helps workers with school children's fees

Lalji Patel offers Rs 15,000 to 40 students; action prompts industry reps to give cal for similar assistance from others

Lalji Patel offers Rs 15,000 to 40 students; action prompts industry reps to give call for similar assistance from others Amid a downturn in Surat's diamond industry, a city-based diamantaire has come forward to help families of workers struggling to pay their children's school fees, prompting industry representatives calling for more such initiatives.

About 90% of the world's rough diamonds are cut and polished in Surat by around 10 lakh workers employed in over 2,500 units.

Due to factors like the Russia-Ukraine war and weak demand from China, a key market, leading to oversupply, around 50,000 workers have become jobless this year, and those employed have seen their salary cut by around 30%, said Bhavesh Tank, vice president of the Surat Diamond Workers Union.