Surat: The Diamond Worker Union Gujarat (DWUG) has raised concerns over low wages being paid to artisans at rural diamond-polishing units in Saurashtra, alleging that many workers are earning less than the government-prescribed minimum wage.The union said stagnant piece rates have failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving artisan families struggling to meet basic expenses such as food, housing, healthcare and education.DWUG has submitted a representation to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), seeking its intervention to address the issue.The concern gained momentum recently in Bhavnagar district, where artisans in Talaja, Mahuva, Palitana and Rajula went on strike demanding a revision in polishing rates. The strike was called off after joint efforts by DWUG and the labour department led workers to return to work. However, the union said the core demand for a revision of piece rates remains unresolved.“Around 1.5 lakh artisans are employed in Bhavnagar district and they are getting less than half the wages compared to workers in Surat. It is necessary that workers get at least the minimum wage rate,” said Bhavesh Tank, vice-president, DWUG.In its representation, the union urged GJEPC to acknowledge its responsibility towards the workforce that sustains the diamond industry and direct factory owners to revise piece rates in line with inflation. It also sought structured negotiations with employers across Surat and other diamond centres, besides a comprehensive wage survey to establish fair and transparent rates across the state.“Diamond artisans should get wages that allow them to live a quality life, while enabling the industry to retain trained workers. If these trained workers leave the industry, an important link will be lost, as they are the ones who train fresh artisans. In times of high demand, the industry may then face a shortage of skilled workers,” said Dinesh Navadiya, chairperson, Indian Diamond Institute.
