Bharat Diamond Bourse Contributes Rs. 1,20,00,000 to Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Fight Against COVID-19

The Committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) put out a statement today commending the efforts of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Government of Maharashtra and its Chief Minister Shri Uddhav Thackeray for their fight against COVID-19.

“BDB also acknowledges the entire team of Health Workers, Police, Doctors, Mumbai Municipality and all the COVID fighters who have stood alongside people of the country to win the COVID war,” the organisation added.

The organisation hailed the people of India who all supported the call of the Prime Minister to “Stay at Home” in order to thwart the pandemic.

“The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), as always, has also contributed significantly to the cause that will help the country win the war against COVID-19,” BDB added praising its sister organisation, in cooperation with which it has worked on different challenges for decades.

BDB, the largest diamond bourse in the world, has done a sterling job of taking care of its members, daily wage workers, and all the poor people residing around the area of the Bourse.

Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse commented: “It is our sincere effort to support our countrymen in these unprecedented times that we are facing and I am thankful to the Diamond fraternity and to all our members to have made our contribution and support services a reality”.

Mehul Shah, Vice President, Bharat Diamond Bourse said: “The diamond fraternity is one of the largest contributors for export revenue to the country and in turn generates huge employment in the trade. The sector has stood up to support our country during all adversities and calamities and we hope to always be at the service of our nation in future too.”

The contribution of Rs. 1,20,00,000 to the Chief Minister’s Fund was routed through the Gem and Jewellery National Relief Foundation (GJNRF). GJNRF is a Trust set up by the diamond fraternity, BDB and the GJEPC. The foundation was created to be able to make   contributions for national relief operations and was incorporated after the Kargil War in 1999. Since then, GJNRF has been constantly catering to the victims of various calamities as well as has been addressing the needs of society.

Daily wage workers and traders, who are an integral part of the diamond industry are going through a tough time presently. BDB has deposited Rs. 5000/- directly in their bank accounts to support them during these unprecedented times. “So far, more than 800 daily wagers, assorters, small brokers and traders have been benefited in this programme and further applications are awaited,” BDB said. “The GJEPC has also committed to support this initiative of BDB.”

In order to avail of this facility, BDB has called for daily wage workers to fill up a form online with details to enable them for the support and the same is verified by the BDB office bearers.

About 600 to 700 poor people living around the BDB complex are also being given food on a daily basis.

Bharat Diamond Bourse has also donated over 11 Tonnes of rice and dal (pulses) to the NGO, Mr D Sivanandan Roti Bank, which caters to the poorest of the poor of the country.

Courtesy: GJEPC