Did a Woman Labourer Really Discover a 2.69 Carat Diamond in Panna?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Savitri Bai Sisodia discovered a 2.69-carat diamond in Panna.
- She leased land from the government to search for diamonds.
- Diamonds found must be submitted to the government for auction.
- The auction proceeds are shared with the miners after deductions.
- Panna is recognized as a prominent diamond mining hub in India.
Bhopal, June 23 (NationPress) A middle-aged woman labourer, Savitri Bai Sisodia, discovered a 2.69-carat diamond while excavating in a mine located in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh on Monday.
Savitri Bai had leased a section of land from the government with the hope of finding diamonds.
For the past two years, she has been laboring tirelessly in a private mine in the Chopra area, enduring the harsh sun, dust, and fatigue, all while believing that she would uncover a diamond that could transform her family's future.
Diamond Officer Anupam Singh, who evaluated the gem and secured it, indicated that it will be auctioned according to established regulations.
“The funds generated from the auction will be given to the woman after subtracting government royalties and taxes,” Singh noted.
It's worth mentioning that the state government offers small parcels of land to aspiring miners annually at minimal costs.
Numerous individuals lease land in search of diamonds, but only a handful succeed in their quest.
To lease a plot, one must pay between Rs. 250 to Rs. 350 via a challan, fill out a form, and await a constable from the diamond office to designate a 25x30 feet area at Patti Bajaria, which then becomes the miner's property for a predetermined duration.
An official from the Panna Diamond office stated that the precise valuation of the diamond remains unknown. “It will be auctioned. Savitri Bai Sisodia, a resident of Devendra Nagar in Panna district, unearthed a diamond weighing 2.69 carats,” the official remarked.
After discovering diamonds, individuals are required to submit their finds to the government diamond office, where the stones are assessed and subsequently auctioned.
Post deduction of royalties and taxes, the earnings are returned to the miners, a bittersweet reward for their relentless efforts.
Prior to this event, a labourer named Dilip Mistry had uncovered a 7.44-carat diamond in November 2024, marking his second fortunate find in just three months.
Earlier, in July 2024, another labourer in the region had discovered a 19.22-carat diamond, further solidifying Panna’s status as a significant center for diamond mining in India.