The Election Commission (EC) has stalled the Gujarat government's proposed relief package for diamond workers in the state.
A bailout package for the diamond workers was announced by the State Government just a few days before the model code of conduct came into force on March 2.
Under the relief package, the government had decided to impart a four month skill enhancement training in diamond polishing, cutting, grading and marking to the diamond workers with monthly stipend of Rs 2,500.
Total 15,000 jobless diamond workers were meant to be enrolled for the special scheme. However, EC has refused the approval for implementation of the proposed scheme.
"We had sent it for the approval of the EC, which has refused it on the ground that it may be used for propaganda during electioneering," said a senior official in the CMO.
He added that now the programme will be implemented after May 16, once the Lok Sabha polls are over.
