Rajya Sabha MP and newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday demanded the creation of a dedicated Diamond Workers' Welfare Board for Surat, citing a severe economic crisis in the industry and a sharp decline in diamond exports from USD 24 billion to USD 12 billion. Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Ahmedabad after his first extended meeting with senior Gujarat Congress leaders, Surjewala said 12–14 lakh diamond workers in Surat are facing acute economic hardship driven by an international slowdown and domestic policy challenges.

What the proposed welfare board would cover

Surjewala outlined a welfare framework that would guarantee salary security for up to 24 months during periods of unemployment, cover medical expenses, and provide financial assistance to workers' families. The demand comes amid reports of large-scale layoffs and reduced working hours across Surat's diamond polishing units over the past year, as global demand — particularly from the United States and China — has contracted.

Notably, India processes roughly nine out of every ten diamonds polished worldwide, with Surat serving as the nerve centre of this ecosystem. A 50% fall in export value, if the figures cited by Surjewala hold, would represent the sector's steepest downturn in recent memory.

Relief sought for textile industry

Beyond diamonds, Surjewala also pressed for relief measures for Surat's textile industry. He called for the removal of the 5% GST on fabric and relief on job work charges, arguing these steps are essential to revive textile centres including Surat, Tiruppur, and Ludhiana. The textile sector, which employs lakhs of informal workers across these hubs, has reportedly been struggling with margin compression and weakening domestic demand.

Congress outlines campaign for Gujarat

Surjewala announced that the Congress would launch a fresh campaign for what he described as a 'new, strong, progressive and employment-oriented Gujarat,' grounded in Mahatma Gandhi's four principles of 'truth, courage, organisation and movement.' He said state leaders, MLAs, and office-bearers would submit region-specific issues and suggestions, which would be consolidated into a 'New Agenda for New Gujarat' — followed by a movement-oriented programme focused on public concerns.

Paper leak concerns raised

On education, Surjewala flagged approximately 20 incidents of paper leaks and examination irregularities, including the BAMS surgery examination, calling them a serious threat to the future of the state's youth. He said the Congress would challenge the ruling government on what he termed a systemic failure in examination integrity.

State Congress leadership responds

Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda echoed Surjewala's concerns, stating that farmers, youth, and other sections are battling economic distress, unemployment, inflation, and rising costs of education and healthcare. 'The Congress would work as a united team to fight for the rights and issues of people across the state,' Chavda asserted.

With assembly elections still some distance away, the Congress's Gujarat pivot — linking industrial distress in diamonds and textiles to governance failures — appears aimed at rebuilding grassroots traction in a state the party has struggled to win for nearly three decades. Whether the welfare board demand gains political momentum will depend on how deeply the diamond downturn continues to bite.