1.20 lakh Gujarat diamond artisans apply for school fee assistance scheme by state for their children

The Gujarat government recently introduced a relief package for diamond artisans as the industry has faced severe recession in the recent past.

The government also launched a scheme aimed at easing the particular focus on waiving their children’s school fees. Following the announcement, around 1.20 lakh applications were received from across the state, with application from only Surat seeking waiver for 78,000 students.

The relief package includes a provision of ₹13,500 per child for completely unemployed diamond artisans, which will cover one full year of school fees.

Speaking at Surat Circuit House, the Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi stated that a committee comprising the District Education Officer and the District Industries Office was formed to oversee the implementation of the assistance package.

As per the process, diamond artisans were required to apply through the respective schools. Over 300 schools in Surat have received applications from 78,000 artisan families.

The forms will first be forwarded to the District Industries Centre, then to the Diamond Association. After scrutiny, eligible forms will be approved and the fee waivers granted.