Surat’s diamond industry was affected by America’s imposition of 50% tax on Indian diamonds. Due to reduced income, 2.4 lakh children in Gujarat had to leave school. This is a huge increase of 341% in one year.
Surat: The 50% tax imposed by US President Donald Trump on goods coming from India has not only dealt a blow to some industries, but lakhs of children in Gujarat have been forced to leave their studies. This sad thing has come to light.
50% tax on Indian diamonds
America, which buys 40% of India’s diamonds, has imposed a tax of 50% on them. This has made Indian diamonds expensive for Americans. As a result, demand has declined and many families in Surat who were dependent on the diamond industry have lost their income. Due to lack of income, they are unable to afford education and children are expelled from school midway through the year. This has come to light from the state-wise data of school dropouts presented in the recently held winter session.
According to Dinesh Vanadia, head of the Indian Diamond Institute, many people have lost their jobs, while the income of the rest has reduced from Rs 35 thousand to Rs 20 thousand.
Highest in Gujarat
Gujarat tops the list in the number of children dropping out of school in 2025-26. In a single year, 2.4 lakh students have left their studies. This number, which was 54,541 in 2024, has increased by a whopping 341%. 600 students from 24 municipal corporation schools in Surat have dropped out, and if figures from other government and private schools are also added, the number will increase further.