Surat’s diamond manufacturing sector unaffected by the COVID-19

Even as several migrant workers have left Gujarat's Surat city due to the COVID-19 surge and anticipation of a lockdown, people associated with the diamond industry claimed the current scenario has had no impact on the trade so far, according to an ET report.
The majority of workers have migrated here from Saurashtra and north Gujarat, while only 10 per cent are from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, said Nanu Vekaria, President, Surat Diamond Association. “Of these 500 000  workers, hardly five per cent had recently left for their hometowns in and outside Gujarat," he said.
"While some went back to attend weddings and other social gatherings, others left out of fear. Some even left for their hometowns to care for their ailing parents and relatives," Vekaria said. 
“Majority of the diamond polishing units are operational at present. A marginal number of workers have left, but they will return once the situation improves. So far, the diamond industry remains largely unaffected because of coronavirus," he said.
Dinesh Navadiya, regional chairman of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), too, concurred that the industry remains unaffected, as very few workers have left the city despite a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in recent days. 
"Those who are leaving will return as soon as the situation becomes normal. However, the number is less. Almost all units are working at present. So far, there seems to be no major impact on the diamond trade due to coronavirus," he said.

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished