In Surat, Gujarat, more than 10,000 students have applied for financial assistance under a government scheme aimed at helping the children of diamond polishers. This initiative comes in response to the ongoing struggles faced by workers in the diamond industry due to a long-term slump. The relief package was introduced by the Gujarat government to support families affected by unemployment in the diamond sector.
The scheme was announced in May and allows for fee assistance of up to ₹13,500 per student per year. To qualify, parents must have been unemployed for at least a year and worked in the diamond industry for a minimum of three years. Over 110 schools in Surat have participated in this programme, submitting more than 3,200 application forms to the Surat District Industries Centre. This initiative will benefit a total of 10,921 students.
The application forms were submitted on July 1, and the next two phases are scheduled for July 7 and July 23. The forms will be verified by the Surat Diamond Association before being sent to an approval committee led by Surat District Collector Dr Sourabh Pardhi.
The diamond industry in Surat has been facing challenges for over two-and-a-half years, with many diamond polishers struggling financially due to low international demand for polished diamonds. The industry provides jobs to over 500,000 workers across approximately 4,000 units in the city.
Surat District Industries Commissioner Jigar Dave confirmed that they have received 3,200 forms from the participating schools. He stated, “Once verified, these forms will be reviewed by scrutiny and approval committees.” The process aims to ensure that the assistance reaches the deserving families efficiently.
However, the Surat Diamond Association President, Jagdish Khunt, expressed concerns about the workload related to processing these applications. He mentioned that they were already short-staffed and preparing for an upcoming Loose Diamond Auction event from July 11 to 13. Khunt stated, “We are expecting more forms in the coming days, but we’re already short-staffed. Managing 3,200 forms alongside auction preparations is challenging.”
Schools have been instructed to inform parents about the scheme and distribute the necessary application forms. The forms require various documents, including proof of unemployment for the past year and certification of work experience in the diamond industry. Parents are also required to submit Aadhaar cards and a passport-sized photo.
The relief package is a crucial step in supporting the families of diamond workers, many of whom reside in areas like Varachha, Kapodara, and Katargam in Surat. The government hopes this initiative will help ease the financial burden on these families and ensure that children can continue their education without the stress of school fees.
As the submission process continues, the Surat district administration is coordinating closely with the Surat Diamond Association and other relevant offices to assist families in obtaining the necessary documents. The aim is to help the children of diamond polishers receive the education they deserve, despite the economic challenges faced by their families. This government initiative is a testament to the commitment to support the local community during these difficult times.
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