Kerala Launches ‘Jyothi’ Scheme to Educate Migrant Children

The Kerala government has launched the ‘Jyothi’ scheme, a comprehensive campaign aimed at enrolling migrant children into the state’s education system and anganwadis. With a strong focus on educational inclusion, health, and welfare, the initiative seeks to address the systemic neglect of children of migrant workers who often remain outside the formal education framework due to frequent relocations and lack of documentation.

Why in News?

The ‘Jyothi’ scheme was launched in May 2025 during Kerala’s outreach campaign to identify and enrol migrant children into educational institutions. It coincided with the state government’s fourth anniversary and follows earlier efforts to create an Aadhaar-linked migrant registry. This initiative marks a significant policy step to bring migrant communities into the social mainstream through education.

Key Objectives of ‘Jyothi’ Scheme

• Integrate children of migrant workers into Kerala’s formal education system.
• Promote inclusive development by providing access to schooling, healthcare, and welfare.
• Support educational continuity despite seasonal migration.

Main Features

Target Groups

• Children aged 3 to 6 years to be enrolled in anganwadis.
• Children aged 6 years and above to be enrolled in public schools.

Outreach & Implementation

• Month-long field campaign in May 2025 to identify and reach migrant settlements.
• Involvement of local self-governments, Kudumbashree workers, schoolteachers, and parent-teacher associations.

Supportive Measures

• Regular health check-ups, medical camps, and awareness sessions.
• Promotion of hygiene, healthy living, and anti-substance abuse education.

Educational Strategy

• SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) to develop a customised curriculum for migrant children.
• Emphasis on cultural inclusion and language bridging.

Recreational & Social Integration

• Creation of public spaces for activities like arts, sports, and cultural exchange.

Background & Static Info

• Kerala hosts over 35 lakh migrant workers, many residing with families.
• Earlier schemes include the ‘Roshni’ project and localized efforts in Idukki and Kannur.
• In September 2024, Kerala updated its migrant worker registry, mandating Aadhaar-based ID.