Surat: To provide financial relief to diamond industry artisans and units, the Gujarat government today announced a special relief package. As part of this package, the state government will cover the school fees of the children of diamond artisans who have lost their jobs, ensuring these children do not miss out on education.

Announcing the package, Minister of State for Industries Harsh Sanghavi said this aid package is a significant move to support diamond artisans and units in the state and to maintain the industry’s stability.

Giving the details, MoS Home Harsh Sanghavi said, “Diamond artisans who have lost their jobs after March 31, 2024, and who had worked as diamond artisans for at least three years prior to losing their job, will receive special support. The school fees of such artisans’ children will be paid directly to the schools for the coming year. An amount of up to ₹13,500 per student will be transferred directly to the schools on behalf of these children.”

He added, “Along with this, a decision has been made to provide an interest subsidy at a 9% rate for up to three years on term loans of up to ₹5 lakh for diamond industry units. Additionally, the units will be exempt from electricity duty for one year.”

Eligibility criteria have been set for the aid. Artisans who lost employment after March 31, 2024, will be eligible. Additionally, the artisan must be over 21 years old, must have worked for at least three years in a diamond factory, and must currently be unemployed in the diamond sector. Applications must be submitted at the District Industries Center (DIC) within two months of the package announcement, along with required documents such as a certificate from the district labor or employment officer, a recommendation letter from the diamond association, and a school certificate confirming the child’s school fee amount. DeshGujarat