Surat, Gujarat: The glimmer of diamonds has dimmed in Surat, the once-proud diamond capital, as another artisan succumbs to the weight of financial despair. Mehul Babubhai Chauhan, 41, a resident of Adajan, ended his life on Sunday by hanging himself, adding to the chilling tally of suicides in the city’s struggling diamond industry.
Mehul, who supported his wife and two children on a monthly income of Rs 30,000, saw his earnings slashed by half due to the prolonged recession gripping the industry. Unable to cope with the mounting debt and bleak future, he reportedly took this tragic step.
This incident shines a stark light on the human cost of the diamond industry’s woes. The city, once pulsating with the diamond trade, now witnesses a disturbing trend of workers resorting to extreme measures due to financial distress.
The Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) slammed the state government’s alleged indifference towards the plight of diamond artisans. Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of DWUG, expressed frustration, stating, “Their lives are far from polished. There’s no hope left with the government’s inaction. Our demands for financial aid and support for affected families fall on deaf ears.”
Tank emphasized the urgency for action, “Mehul’s tragedy is a wake-up call. We need immediate measures to address the crisis and alleviate their suffering. The government must prioritize support for diamond artisans by providing financial assistance, exploring alternative employment avenues, and offering mental health resources.”
This tragic event demands immediate attention to the human cost behind the diamond industry’s struggles. Only through concrete action can the city regain its shine and ensure the well-being of its diamond workers and their families.
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