Chennai, Feb. 2 -- The Union Government has chosen the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) for undertaking a research on Lab Grown Diamonds (GDs) and will provide a grant of Rs. 242 crore over a period of five years.

This research will be focused on driving indigenization of the LGD manufacturing process.

Presenting the Union Budget-2023 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "LGD is a technology and innovation-driven emerging sector with high employment potential.

These environment-friendly diamonds have optically and chemically the same properties as natural diamonds.

To encourage indigenous production of LGD seeds and machines and to reduce import dependency, a research and development grant will be provided to one ...