Journalism of Courage
Diamond polishers file RTIs seeking reason for ‘rejection’ of school fee waiver forms
The state government on May 22, 2025 had announced a special assistance package for the diamond industry, which included a one-year relaxation of the school fees up to Rs 13,500 for children of unemployed diamond polishers.
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According to sources, over 74,000 forms were received and over 26,000 of them were rejected over “improper details mentioned”.
Several unemployed diamond polishers have filed RTIs (Right to Information) with the Surat District Industries Centre (DIC) seeking the reasons for alleged rejection of application forms which facilitated the waiver of their children’s school fees as part of governmental assistance.
The state government on May 22, 2025 had announced a special assistance package for the diamond industry, which included a one-year relaxation of the school fees up to Rs 13,500 for children of unemployed diamond polishers. This assistance package is specific to those who have been jobless since March 21, 2024 and have worked at a diamond factory for the past three years.
Talking to The Indian Express, Surat DIC General Manager Jigar Dave said, “We have received around 1,000 RTI applications in the last four days from diamond polishers whose forms were rejected. They have asked for the details, seeking to know who had rejected the forms and reasons. We will give them a reply in the coming days. The forms are coming up.”
He further added, “Out of over 74,000 forms received, we have passed 47,500. Over 50,000 students were covered under the scheme. The annual fees amount up to 13,500 per student had been paid to the school from us. If the school fee is more than Rs 13,500, the diamond polisher has to bear the amount.”
According to sources, over 74,000 forms were received and over 26,000 of them were rejected over “improper details mentioned”.
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