Published
Jul 13, 2018
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Pattern of suicides uncovered in India's diamond polishing industry

Published
Jul 13, 2018

​Campaigners are raising awareness about the growing suicide rate amongst diamond polishers in Surat, India, attributed to low wages and a lack of social benefits in the industry.


Campaigners are raising awareness about the growing suicide rate amongst diamond polishers in Surat, India


According to a report by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, investigations across the state of Gujarat have uncovered a growing trend of suicide amongst diamond polishers, many of whom are paid per stone and are not earning enough to support their family. Although some workers are on fixed wages of up to Rs 100,000 ($1,459) a month, over 80 percent of the workforce earn only earn between Rs 1 and Rs 25 for each stone they polish with no social benefits.

The diamond polishing industry in Gujarat polishes 90 percent of stones sold on the global market and Surat and the Saurashtra region are the main hubs in the area. Diamond exports from India have increased by 70 percent over the past ten years and no mandatory certification to ensure fair labour practices exists.

Campaigners have asserted that, whilst the larger polishing factories are often equipped with necessities such as air conditioning units and fixed wages, many factories are small-scale and unorganised with no ventilation, no toilets, and workers sleeping in the factory itself. The Thomson Reuters Foundation reported that one issue with the unorganised nature of the factories is that abuse goes unreported, especially as, in an area with few other employment options, many fear losing their jobs.

Over 5,000 suicides have been reported in the city of Surat since 2010, an area where many diamond polishers work, according to Surat Police data shared with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Moreover, the foundation found that, out of 23 suicides that took place between January and April this year it analysed, there were six cases of diamond workers hanging themselves; drinking poison; and lighting themselves on fire. Similar cases were also uncovered in the Saurashtra region. Interviews also revealed nine diamond worker suicides since November 2017.

However, despite campaigners raising their voices, little has been done about the situation. Optional certification does exist but the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council has stated that it is up to the unit owners to get certified.

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