Archive · 29 May 2025
Low Interest in Digital ID for Diamond Artisans Despite Benefits
Imagine a digital ID card called 'Parichay' for diamond workers, like a digital name tag.
It's supposed to help them get jobs and have health insurance.
However, not many workers are using it.
Even though the card offers free health insurance, many workers are not interested.
The main reason is that they do not get immediate health insurance card on the issuance of Parichay Card.
This digital card was launched about five years ago and only a small percentage of diamond workers have signed up.
Efforts are being made to make it more popular, but it's still not widely used.
The 'Parichay' digital ID has only 53,540 members out of an estimated 15 lakh diamond workers in Gujarat.
The card offers health insurance and verifies worker identity, employment details.
Workers have shown less enthusiasm for the card due to lack of immediate access to health insurance.
The Surat Diamond Association (SDA) initially introduced a physical card before the digital version.
Recent awareness campaigns have increased registrations, but overall popularity remains low.
- Who
- Diamond artisans and the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
- What
- The 'Parichay' digital identity card.
- When
- Launched around five years ago.
- Where
- Gujarat, specifically Surat.
- Why
- To provide identity, employment details, and health insurance to diamond workers.
Artisan Interest in Parichay Card
GJEPC Perspective on Parichay Card
Worker Enthusiasm
Artisan Interest in Parichay Card
Workers lack enthusiasm for the Parichay Card due to missing health insurance and other benefits.
GJEPC Perspective on Parichay Card
The GJEPC views the Parichay Card as a good project, but not popular due to lack of interest from stakeholders.
- Registered Members
- 53,540
- Total diamond workers in Gujarat
- 15 lakh (estimated)
- Registered in Surat
- 22,440
- Health insurance offered
- Rs 35,000
- Card Type
- Digital
- Launched by
- GJEPC