The Gujarat government has introduced a special assistance package for diamond artists and micro units affected by tough international market conditions. This decision comes under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The state aims to provide economic relief and stability to the diamond industry. Minister of State for Industry, Harsh Sanghvi, announced this package, calling it a crucial step for the industry’s artists and businesses. One key feature of the package is educational support for the children of affected diamond artists. The government will cover 100% of school fees, with a maximum limit of ₹13,500 per child per year. This will ensure that children do not face any disruption in their education. The financial aid will be provided through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to schools, according to the education department’s procedures. To qualify for assistance, certain eligibility criteria have been set. Artists who lose their jobs after March 31, 2024, will be eligible for aid. They must be over 21 years old and have at least three years of work experience in the diamond industry. Additionally, they must currently be unemployed in this sector. Applications must be submitted within two months of the package announcement to the district industry centre. Required documents include a certificate from the district labour officer or employment officer, a recommendation letter from the Diamond Association, and proof of school fees. The package also includes financial aid for diamond units. Special assistance will be given to ensure the stability of these units. They can receive a maximum term loan of ₹5 lakh at an interest rate of 9% for three years, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Furthermore, these units will be exempted from electricity duty for one year starting from July 1, 2025. Interested units must apply to the district industry centre within one month of the public announcement. They need to provide documentation such as enterprise registration, loan approval letters, GST registration, turnover for the last three financial years, and proof of electricity consumption. The eligibility criteria for aid to diamond units include being a micro unit with an investment of up to ₹2.5 crore in plant and machinery. The unit must have been involved in the diamond industry for the past three financial years and must show a reduction of 25% or more in electricity consumption compared to the previous year. Additionally, they must have obtained enterprise registration before March 31, 2025. An approval committee will be formed to process the applications. This committee will include the Collector as the chairman and representatives from the district labour department, employment department, education department, and the Diamond Association. The committee will meet at least twice a month to review applications. This package is a significant step towards supporting the diamond industry in Gujarat, ensuring that artists and small businesses can navigate these challenging times and maintain their livelihoods.
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