The Diamond Workers Union Gujarat has launched a helpline to address the rising suicide rates among diamond polishers in Surat. This follows an economic downturn that has left many workers unemployed or in financial difficulty.
Disturbing Trends and Helpline Response
According to the Union, there have been at least 64 suicides in the diamond industry over the past 15 months. Bhavesh Tank, the president of the Diamond Workers Union in Surat, noted that on the first day alone, the helpline received 400 calls, highlighting the immediate and critical need for such a support system. Tank explained, “The major issue the callers talked about was unemployment, costs of living and depression due to financial constraints.”
Helpline Strategy and Support
The helpline initiative, under the slogan “He ratnakalakaro apghat na karo amne phone karo” (Oh diamond artisans, don’t commit suicide but call us), aims to provide immediate assistance and long-term support for diamond polishers. Tank elaborated on the approach: “We have started calling back the callers at our Surat office and are noting down their details. We will segregate the problems and other teams will work on it.” The helpline number, 9239500009, has been shared via social media and WhatsApp groups to reach more workers.
Government and NGO Involvement
Union President Ramesh Jileriya has called on the state government and non-governmental organisations to intervene and provide support for the struggling workers. “We have intimated to the state government to pay attention to the diamond polishers who are committing suicide and try to bring out some scheme,” Jileriya said. The Union is also appealing to social welfare organisations to help mitigate the pressures faced by the diamond polishers.
Economic Pressures and Industry Challenges
The diamond industry in Surat employs approximately 600,000 people across 5,000 factories. However, the industry has been suffering due to prolonged recession, resulting in reduced working hours and lower wages. The financial strain has pushed many workers to the brink, as they struggle to meet their financial obligations, including paying loans, house rent, and school fees for their children. Tank highlighted, “They are unable to pay loans, repay the money borrowed from people and friends, pay the house rent or cover the education expenses of their children.”
The helpline number again is: 9239500009
