Authorities in Surat impart training to tribal women to cut, polish diamonds

Surat, Feb 12 (ANI): In a bid to overcome the shortage of craftsmen, the diamond associations in Gujarat's Surat city are imparting training to the tribal women to cut and polish gems, thereby increasing their chances of earning a livelihood.

The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Surat Diamond Association (SDA) and the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) have all joined hands to train these amateur women and polish their skills, and help provide employment opportunities .

After the completion of the training, these women work at diamond factories or shops.

"Through the Surat Diamond Association, in the tribal areas of the Surat district, we made an effort, we requested our manufacturers to start a factory in these districts," said Dinesh Navadia, President, Surat Diamond Association.

"So, they started a factory there . About 30 percent females are employed in the factory," he added.

According to reports, the largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in Surat employs around 500,000 women and they constitute about 10 percent of the total work force.

The associations have taken this move due to the dearth of diamond cutters in the industry after the recession period in 2008.

"Surat is famous for diamonds all around the world and to develop it in a proper manner, we need good craftsmen, but since the last few years, there has been a shortage of these craftsmen, the industry is facing difficulties," said Ajit Khatri, Director, District Rural Development Agency.

"So, to find a solution to this problem, the tribal women are being trained. The Surat Diamond Institute and Surat Diamond Association, Gems and Jewellery Council are all collaborating to conduct a survey in the districts and train them so that they could work for our industry," he added. (ANI)