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In a country where the biggest hurdle to development is access to education and healthcare facilities, any actionable strategy for the future requires a juxtaposition of the two. With a bird’s eye view of education, no one can deny that it is a beacon of hope for many, especially those trying to break the poverty trap. It is essential to realise that although the world is now talking about artificial intelligence, machine learning and Big Data, our country has a considerable population for whom these words are incomprehensible—the basic ABCs of how the world works may seem alien to them.
For many migrant children in India, accessing this fundamental right to education is fraught with challenges due to identity gaps and language barriers. Despite legal mandates ensuring free and compulsory education, a significant portion of migrant children find themselves excluded from the formal education system. According to a report by the Centre for Policy Research, an alarming 35% of migrant children in India lack access to formal education due to constraints related to identity proof. Additionally, surveys conducted by organisations like ActionAid India have underscored the systemic barriers migrant children encounter in school admissions, further deepening social inequality and depriving them of their right to education. It has also been noted that migrant children who speak a different language from the regional medium of instruction face significant disadvantages in the classroom.
The absence of Aadhaar cards intensifies the educational plight of migrant children, particularly when compounded by language barriers. For example, in states like Gujarat and Telangana, where government schools predominantly teach in regional languages such as Gujarati and Telugu, migrant children from Hindi-speaking regions like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan struggle to grasp lessons even after securing admission. This linguistic disparity hinders their academic progress and inhibits their integration into school communities, perpetuating educational disparities.
To effectively tackle these multifaceted challenges, educational institutions must recognise and accommodate the linguistic diversity inherent within their student populations. Establishing Hindi-medium schools alongside existing regional-medium ones would cater specifically to migrant children from Hindi-speaking states, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By embracing linguistic inclusivity, schools can bridge the language gap and ensure all students receive education tailored to their linguistic backgrounds and educational needs.
Furthermore, alongside Aadhaar registration drives, concerted efforts are needed to enhance language accessibility within the education system. This entails recruiting bilingual teachers proficient in regional and Hindi languages, developing multilingual instructional materials, and organising language proficiency programs to facilitate migrant children's seamless integration into mainstream classrooms. Collaboration with NGOs, private players and community organisations is crucial in amplifying outreach efforts and raising awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity in education.
To further support migrant children in Indian schools, it is crucial to sensitise teachers and school administrators on the unique challenges these students face. Professional development programs should be implemented to train educators in cultural competency and inclusive teaching practices, enabling them to create a welcoming environment for migrant students. Innovative reforms such as peer mentoring programs, where local students assist their migrant peers, can foster integration and mutual understanding. Additionally, establishing support groups and counselling services for migrant children can address their emotional and social needs. Emphasising the importance of an inclusive school culture, where diversity is celebrated, is the need of the hour. These initiatives, combined with linguistic and identity-based interventions, can significantly enhance the educational experiences of migrant children and pave the way for their holistic development.
In conclusion, identity gaps and language barriers constitute formidable impediments to the educational advancement of migrant children in India. While Aadhaar registration drives and institutional support represent essential steps towards fostering inclusion, addressing language accessibility is equally imperative. By establishing Hindi-medium schools and promoting linguistic inclusivity within educational frameworks, we can ensure that migrant children receive the quality education they deserve, irrespective of their migratory backgrounds. This comprehensive approach requires commitment from policymakers, private partners, knowledge groups, educators, civil society organisations, and communities. Through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, we can cultivate a more equitable and inclusive education system that empowers every child to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
