Children and Migration

Hello everyone! 

I am Uttama Surve, a 14-year-old coordinator of the "Uttama Child Protection Awareness Program and Protection Organization." Today, I want to discuss a critical topic that affects millions of children globally — "child labor and the impact of migration on education." This issue is not just a statistic; it is a harsh reality that many children face every day, and it is not solely the responsibility of a few; it is a collective duty of all of us to ensure the safety and well-being of every child.

I am incredibly proud of my father, Aniruddha Surve, a dedicated Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV), who supports me in this important work. His unwavering guidance and commitment empower me to pursue our shared goals. Together, we are striving to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

As we delve into this pressing issue, I invite each of you to join me in contributing to this vital initiative. Every child deserves a joyful and secure childhood!

Our slogan is: "Awareness is the power of children and freedom from exploitation."

10-year-old Rehman goes to work with his family at a construction site in Ujjain. He hails from Rampura village, a dry area where there is neither enough water nor fertile soil. The farming conditions are challenging, allowing only one crop to be grown during the rainy season. With limited opportunities in agriculture, most families in Rehman’s village are compelled to migrate for work, often at construction sites. 

Rehman has three siblings, all of whom contribute to the family's income. Unfortunately, none of them can attend school due to their work commitments. They spend about eight months a year at the construction site, which leaves them with little time for rest or play. When Rehman and his siblings return to their village, they often forget what they have learned in school — resulting in Rehman falling behind in his studies. During the rainy season, which lasts about four months, he is unable to read his books, leading him to prefer working as a laborer in others' fields rather than pursuing his education.

Consider the following questions :-

1. What rights was Rehman denied?

• Rehman was denied the right to education, the right to leisure and play, and the right to a safe and nurturing environment. 

2. What rights are violated when adults take their children along while migrating to work?

• By taking their children to work, families violate children's rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the rights to education, protection from economic exploitation, and protection from harm.

3. What should the SMC/CPC/Gram Panchayat or community members do to identify children upon their return from work and re-enroll them in school?

• The SMC and CPC should actively identify returning migrant children through community outreach. They can organize registration drives to enroll these children in local schools and offer remedial classes or tutoring for those who need additional support.

4. Is there a way for children to stay in the village and continue their education even if their parents have to go out to work? Can the CPC or Gram Panchayat initiate a community-based care system?

• Yes, the CPC or Gram Panchayat can establish community-based care systems where trusted families in the village take care of the children while their parents are away. Seasonal hostels can be created to allow children to remain in the village and continue their education.

5. What can the Gram Panchayat do to stop migration? Can it provide livelihood options at the Panchayat level?

• The Gram Panchayat can create local livelihood opportunities such as skill development programs, promoting small businesses, and improving agricultural practices. By providing alternative sources of income, families may be less inclined to migrate for work.

A large number of families, including children or children alone, migrate from various districts of Madhya Pradesh to states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab in search of work. This migration occurs due to the lack of secure employment opportunities in their villages. Often, both temporary and permanent migration takes place during special seasons. Elder family members take their children along for security and to boost family income, which inadvertently exposes children to labor instead of educational opportunities.

While migration for work is not illegal, it poses risks to children, especially when they live in makeshift settlements with minimal amenities. These conditions can be unsafe and are detrimental to children's development, exposing them to potential violence and exploitation. Many children are forced to abandon their schooling due to these circumstances.

So what can be done?

• Encourage migrating families/individuals to carry identity cards or letters issued by the Gram Panchayat.

• Create awareness among migrating families about the challenges they face, including the importance of education.

• Prepare a list of migrating families in the village, known as the ‘source village,’ and assist them with obtaining migration cards from schools. Help convince parents to enroll their children in schools in the destination village.

• Assist in preparing a list of migrants in the destination village and help them with enrollment in local schools with the help of the SMC.

• Motivate the SMC to apply for or open seasonal hostels in collaboration with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan or community members so that children can stay in the village while their parents migrate.

• Create arrangements for children of migrating families to stay in the community until their families return, ensuring continuity in their education.

• Expand primary healthcare services to migrant settlements in destination villages.

• Advise farmers to avoid employing children as migrant laborers and report any violations to labor officers.

By taking these proactive steps, we can significantly improve the lives of children like Rehman, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn and thrive despite the challenges of migration.

For Assistance and Further Information :-

If you need help or further information related to child protection, please feel free to contact :-

• Mr. Aniruddha Surve (PLV) :- 9827399236
• Child Helpline :- 1098
• Bhagwan Das Sahu :- 9329756455
• Palavi Porwal (Chairman of Child Welfare Committee - CWC) :- 9826347009