Surat, the global hub of polished diamonds, has been hit hard by a long recession in the diamond industry. Thousands of diamond workers have lost their jobs, forcing their families into financial struggles. To provide relief, the state government had announced a special package in May 2025, which included financial help for the education fees of workers’ children.
For months, however, many families kept waiting without receiving any support. Recently, after political pressure and a planned protest march, officials finally declared that pending payments would be released within 15 days. This announcement has given fresh hope to thousands of affected families.
Immediate Support for Education Fees
According to district officials, a total of 50,241 children from families of diamond workers in Surat will get financial support worth ₹65 crore. The money will directly cover their education expenses, ensuring that children can continue schooling without interruption.
The government’s move came right after Aam Aadmi Party MLA Gopal Italia announced a “Ratnakar Adhikar Yatra” (Diamond Workers’ Rights March). The protest was scheduled to begin from Umiya Dham Temple and pass through major diamond hubs of Surat before ending with a public meeting. The timing suggests that the government acted quickly to avoid unrest and show commitment to the welfare of diamond workers.
Applications and Approvals in Surat
After the relief package was announced, 74,268 applications were submitted by diamond worker families in Surat district. Out of these, 47,599 applications were approved, covering 50,241 children. Around 26,600 applications were rejected due to incomplete details or verification issues.
This long verification process caused delays, but now the government has assured that assistance will reach families without any further wait.
Longest Recession in the Diamond Industry
The diamond industry of Gujarat, which employs lakhs of artisans and polishers, has been suffering from its longest recession in the past five decades. Reduced global demand and rising tariffs have badly affected exports. As a result, thousands of diamond workers lost their jobs, creating a deep economic and social crisis.
In March 2025, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held meetings with industry associations and finally announced a relief package on 24th May 2025. The package included financial support for unemployed workers and fee assistance for their children’s education.
Education Fee Waiver Details
As part of this package, the government announced that education fees up to ₹13,500 per child per year will be waived. The assistance will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring that the funds reach families directly and securely. This measure is seen as one of the most effective ways to support the children of struggling diamond workers.
Bhavnagar Still Waiting
While Surat has received positive news, the situation in Bhavnagar is different. More than 12,000 applications were submitted by diamond workers in Bhavnagar, but only about 2,500 children have received support so far. Over 7,000 applications are still pending due to verification issues with schools.
Officials explained that some families showed different fee receipts for separate years, which complicated the process. Payments will be released gradually once verification is complete.
Relief and Hope for Families
For the community of diamond workers, the announcement in Surat is a big relief. Parents can now focus on their children’s future without worrying about unpaid school fees. Education is often seen as the only way for children to build a career beyond the uncertain diamond trade, making this assistance even more valuable.
Social activists and community leaders welcomed the move, though they also reminded the government that fee assistance is only a temporary measure. Without long-term solutions to revive the diamond industry, the livelihood of diamond workers will remain unstable.
Also read: Gujarat Launches Major Campaign to Boost Atmanirbhar Bharat Movement
Conclusion
The release of funds for the education fees of diamond workers’ children is a timely step that offers much-needed support. With ₹65 crore to be distributed among 50,241 children, the government has addressed an urgent issue.
However, experts point out that unless the recession in the diamond industry is resolved, such relief measures will not be enough. Still, for thousands of families in Surat, this announcement brings immediate relief and keeps alive the hope of a better future for their children.
