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TOI Congratulations Times Prime Member We've activated for you.Now enjoy your access to premium articles and insights with ad-free experience. The only membership you'll ever need Surat: Amid the call for a strike and protest with demands for an for , the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has announced various initiatives taken for the welfare of the workers in recent times.
claimed in a statement that the industry is showing signs of recovery. According to GJEPC assessments, the diamond industry, after grappling with challenges like price volatility and fluctuating demand, is now experiencing a resurgence. Recent months have seen diamond prices rise by 10%, driven by heightened consumer interest across major markets such as the US, Europe, China, and India.
"In India, tier-2 and tier-3 cities are emerging as significant contributors to the renewed demand for natural diamonds. Industry experts forecast a steady recovery, with diamond consumption projected to grow by 15-20% in 2025, particularly for smaller-sized stones," GJEPC said. GJEPC asserted that various initiatives by organisations like the Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF) played a key role in supporting the industry and its workers.
GJNRF represents the collective charitable arm of the Indian diamond industry. GJNRF's international contributors include organisations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Anglo American Foundation, Rio Tinto, and Diamonds Do Good (DDG). "During recent crises, GJNRF distributed over 7,000 grain kits worth Rs 1.
42 crore across key centres like Bhavnagar, Palanpur, Deesa, Surendranagar, Umarala, and Vallabhipur in Gujarat. Earlier distributions included grain kits worth Rs 80 lakhs in Botad district and Surat. Additionally, GJNRF stepped in to pay school fees for underprivileged students in Surat and distributed free notebooks annually in Gujarat's Surat and Patan regions," GJEPC stated.
In FY 2023-24, over 5,000 artisans received medical aid for critical illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalisation expenses from GJNRF. It collaborated with local associations like Shri Bhavnagar Jilla Diamond Association (BJDA) and Diamond Worker Union Gujarat (DWUG) and ensured that artisans benefit from healthcare camps offering free check-ups, medicines, and consultations. Through its Swasthya Kosh initiative, GJEPC impacted over 8.
45 lakh lives by processing Rs 184 crore in healthcare benefits. Meanwhile, the Parichay Card program provides artisans with digital identities linked to free health insurance worth Rs 35,000 per cardholder. Over 1.
4 lakh Parichay Cards have been issued so far, with a target of reaching 5 million artisans by 2027. "At GJEPC, we believe that our artisans are the heart of the industry. Their skill and dedication have made Indian jewellery renowned worldwide.
Through GJNRF, we ensure they receive the healthcare, education, and financial support they need to thrive," said Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC. GJEPC has provided medical insurance to over 42,000 diamond factory workers in Surat, securing them with coverage worth Rs 1,00,000 at highly subsidised rates. In addition, a free medical insurance scheme covering Rs 35,000 is available for artisans, benefiting Gujarat-based members above 20 years of age.
In recent times, GJNRF supported over 1,200 school students for education. Bharatkumar Kakadia, a member of the GJNRF Board of Trustees, comments, "In 2025, GJNRF stepped in to pay the outstanding school fees for 150 of the extremely needy students in Surat, ensuring their education remains uninterrupted. GJNRF continues its annual tradition of distributing free notebooks to the children of diamond artisans in Surat and Patan, with Rs 10,00,000 donated in 2024 and Rs 5,00,000 in 2023, with recipient lists provided by DWUG towards uplifting the next generation of our artisan communities.
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