PM asks Surat's diamond industry to embrace new technology

Surat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Surat's diamond industry for transforming itself from small sweat shops in 1972 to the most modern factories in 2016.
Modi was speaking at the felicitation function organized by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in New Delhi on July 23.
He pointed out that the gems and jewellery industry could take guidance for training and skill upgradation from the MSU in Vadodara.
"Surat diamond industry has transformed itself from 1972 from small sweat shops with factories possessing primitive machinery not always conducive for working to most modern highly ventilated factories. CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs initiated by diamond factories have led to the elevation of working conditions and the standard of living of working class of diamond industry," Modi had said.
PM urged the members of gems and jewellery sector to step up to the next level and create "Make in India" brand.
He advised the jewellery industry members, which is still working with outdated equipments under 'Guru-Shishya' parampara, to modernize and upgrade themselves by adopting latest technology.
GJEPC chairman, Praveen Shankar Pandya said, "The city of Surat has transformed from an old city with barely any infrastructure to one of the most modern cities with wide roads, hospitals, convention halls and schools due to which gems and jewellery industry occupies an elevated position in the world jewellery market."