India, May 24 -- The Gujarat government led by chief minister Bhupendra Patel has introduced a relief package to support diamond artisans and micro-units facing global market challenges and reeling under recession.

Minister of state for industries, Harsh Sanghvi, announced the initiative to ease financial strain and stabilise the state's diamond section, especially Surat's diamond trade hub.

The decision comes after the government formed a high-level committee in March to look into the industry's issues and there was a strike in late March, led by the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG), that prompted further discussions between government and industry representatives.

The package will largely benefit the Surat industry where 85% of t...