SURAT: Tens of thousands of skilled artisans in the diamond and jewellery sector in Surat and Gujarat will be given 'Parichay card' to ensure proper authentication for social security purposes.An initiative of Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the objective of Parichay card is to create a verified and well-crafted database for gems and jewellery workers to provide them with better job opportunities, help to find financial support from banks and financial institutions and provide better healthcare services through specially designed smart cards.This card not only gives the workers a valid proof of their employment or identity but also make them eligible for various initiatives. Along with the card, GJEPC will also provide an optional health insurance cover 'Swasthya Kosh' for all the parichay card holders.Talking with TOI, GJEPC chairman, Pramod Kumar Agarwal said, "The gems and jewellery industry with an annual turnover of $40 billion is heavily dependent on the artisans and craftsman of India. The parichay card will provide these workers with better job opportunities, social security and support from financial institutions."Agarwal added, "The Swasthya Ratna Scheme started by GJEPC has received a phenomenal response and several GJEPC member companies have taken this policy for their workers and office staff. Currently it is in its third year of operations and till date it has covered more than 4 lakh lives"According to Agarwal, the GJEPC had initiated a group Mediclaim scheme in 2015 to provide health insurance benefit to the entire work force of the gems and jewellery sector and their families. The scheme named 'Swasthya Ratna', will be linked with the parichay card for extending healthcare benefits to the artisans and karigars.Regional chairman of GJEPC, Dinesh Navadia said, "The Parichay card scheme will be a huge success in Surat and other diamond cutting centres in Gujarat. Most of the diamond companies have participated in the swasthya ratna scheme of the GJEPC and the benefits will be passed on to the Parichay card holders. We are organizing camps and meetings to add more and more beneficiaries from the industry"

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