Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Surjewala Seeks Welfare Board as Surat Diamond Exports Fall
Randeep Singh Surjewala said Surat’s diamond workers are facing money problems.
He claimed diamond exports have dropped from USD 24 billion to USD 12 billion.
He asked for a welfare board to help workers when they lose their jobs.
The board could provide salary support for up to 24 months.
It could also help pay medical costs and support workers’ families.
Surjewala also asked for tax relief for the textile industry.
He said the Congress would campaign on jobs, education and other public concerns.
The party plans to collect local problems and create a new agenda for Gujarat.
Randeep Singh Surjewala demanded a welfare board for Surat’s diamond workers.
He claimed diamond exports had fallen from USD 24 billion to USD 12 billion.
Surjewala said 12–14 lakh diamond workers face economic difficulties amid an international slowdown and policy challenges.
He proposed salary security, medical assistance and family support during periods of unemployment.
He also sought textile-sector relief and announced a Congress campaign focused on employment and public issues.
- Who
- Randeep Singh Surjewala, Gujarat Congress in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP, made the demands; Amit Chavda also addressed public concerns.
- What
- Surjewala demanded a Diamond Workers’ Welfare Board, textile-sector relief and action on education-related irregularities.
- When
- Saturday, during Surjewala’s first extended meeting with Gujarat Congress leaders after taking charge as state in-charge.
- Where
- At Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Ahmedabad; the proposed worker support would target diamond workers in Surat.
- Why
- He said diamond workers and other sections face economic distress because of reduced exports, an international slowdown, policy challenges and rising costs.
Congress demands
Government position
Diamond-worker support
Congress demands
Randeep Singh Surjewala called for a welfare board providing salary security, medical assistance and family support during unemployment.
Government position
The article does not provide a response or position from the Gujarat government.
Textile-sector relief
Congress demands
Surjewala sought removal of the five per cent GST on fabric and relief on job work to help revive textile centres.
Government position
The article does not state the government’s response to these proposals.
Education irregularities
Congress demands
Surjewala said reported paper leaks and irregularities should be raised as a serious threat to young people’s future.
Government position
No government response to these allegations is included in the article.
- Reported diamond exports
- USD 12 billion, down from USD 24 billion according to Surjewala
- Affected workers
- An estimated 12–14 lakh diamond workers in Surat
- Proposed institution
- Diamond Workers’ Welfare Board
- Proposed salary support
- Up to 24 months during unemployment
- Textile relief sought
- Removal of the five per cent GST on fabric and relief on job work
- Education concerns
- Around 20 reported incidents involving paper leaks and irregularities
- Proposed political programme
- A ‘New Agenda for New Gujarat’ and a movement-oriented campaign