Kerala launches ‘Jyothi’ initiative for migrant children

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan unveiled the “Jyothi” initiative on Wednesday, aiming to integrate the children of over 35 lakh migrant workers into the state’s education system. The program, which focuses on enrolling migrant children in schools and anganwadis, has sparked both praise for its inclusivity and criticism over demographic and security concerns.

A step toward inclusive education

The “Jyothi” initiative, launched in a well-attended event as depicted in the X post by Vijayan, targets children of migrant workers—referred to as “guest workers” in Kerala—ensuring access to education and cultural integration. Children aged three to six will join anganwadis (government-run childcare centers), while those above six will be enrolled in public schools. According to a report by India Today on May 7, 2025, the program builds on earlier efforts like the Roshni project and involves stakeholders such as local self-governments, Kudumbashree workers, and schoolteachers to identify and admit migrant children. General Education Minister V Sivankutty emphasized creating supportive environments beyond academics, including public spaces for holiday activities like arts and sports to foster cultural exchange between migrant and local children.

Kerala’s legacy of migrant welfare

Kerala has long been a pioneer in migrant worker welfare, with over 35 lakh inter-state workers contributing to key sectors. A report from cdpp.co.in highlights that the state began implementing social security schemes for migrant workers in 2010, a first in India. These efforts include the ‘Apna Ghar Scheme’ for affordable housing and health initiatives like the Link Worker Scheme for HIV prevention. The state’s 2024 unified registry portal further streamlined support for migrant workers, reflecting Kerala’s commitment to inclusive development. However, the demographic makeup of these workers has shifted, with increasing numbers of Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants joining the traditional Tamil Nadu labour force, raising new challenges.

Public concerns and controversies

The initiative has not been without controversy, as seen in the varied reactions on X. While some commended the move, others expressed alarm over demographic changes and security risks.

Balancing inclusion and security

The “Jyothi” initiative underscores Kerala’s progressive stance on migrant welfare but also highlights the delicate balance between inclusion and public sentiment. A Refugees International report from January 2025 notes that Rohingya refugees in India, including in Kerala, face severe human rights challenges, including arbitrary detention and discrimination fueled by the Modi government’s anti-immigrant policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. Meanwhile, local incidents, such as the March 2025 clash in Kannur where a migrant worker was killed (Onmanorama), continue to fuel debates over the integration of migrant communities. As Kerala moves forward with “Jyothi,” the state faces the challenge of ensuring educational access for migrant children while addressing the broader concerns of its citizens.