Clost to four lakh workers in Surat, engaged in cutting and polishing lab-grown diamonds (LGD), are grappling with delayed wages and job insecurities amidst plummeting prices of these synthetic gemstones. The downturn in prices has significantly impacted the revenue of manufacturing units, exacerbating concerns over potential job losses.

According to reports from the workers' union, the ongoing decline in LGD prices coupled with subdued export demand has led to a distressing situation where workers experience a delay of up to 20 days in receiving their monthly wages. This delay underscores the financial strain faced by employees who depend on regular income to sustain themselves and their families.

The export volume growth, crucial for the industry's stability, has slowed down considerably, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by Surat's LGD sector. The diminishing value of lab-grown diamonds has added to the woes, highlighting the industry's vulnerability to global market fluctuations.

The situation has prompted stakeholders to call for strategic measures to stabilize the market and safeguard the livelihoods of the workforce. As discussions continue on potential remedies and support mechanisms, the immediate focus remains on mitigating the impact of these economic uncertainties on the workers and the industry at large.