Ahmedabad, Sep 12 — Newly appointed Gujarat Congress in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday demanded the creation of a welfare board for diamond workers in Surat, claiming an economic crisis in the industry and a fall in diamond exports from USD 24 billion to USD 12 billion.
Surjewala, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday, said 12-14 lakh diamond workers in Surat are facing economic difficulties amid an international slowdown and policy-related challenges.
He demanded a ‘Diamond Workers' Welfare Board’ to provide salary security for up to 24 months, meet medical expenses and provide financial assistance to workers' families during periods of unemployment.
He also sought relief for Surat's textile industry, including the removal of the five per cent GST on fabric and relief on job work, saying this is necessary to revive textile centres such as Surat, Tiruppur and Ludhiana.
Surjewala made the remarks while addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan following his first extended meeting with senior leaders and office-bearers of the Gujarat Congress after taking charge as the party's state in-charge.
He said the Congress would begin a fresh campaign for a "new, strong, progressive and employment-oriented Gujarat" based on what he described as Mahatma Gandhi's four fundamental principles of "truth, courage, organisation and movement".
On education, Surjewala said around 20 incidents of paper leaks and irregularities, including the BAMS surgery examination, are a serious concern. "The Congress would raise the issue and challenge the government over the impact on the future of young people," he said.
He said state leaders, MLAs and office-bearers would submit issues and suggestions from their respective areas, which would be compiled into a ‘New Agenda for New Gujarat’.
The party would then formulate a movement-oriented programme focused on people's issues.
State party president Amit Chavda said farmers, youth and other sections are facing various difficulties, including 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," he asserted.