Survey finds hundreds of migrant children out of school in Ambala

Despite various government and Education Department campaigns, a significant number of out-of-school children continue to emerge annually. During a survey conducted by teachers during the winter vacations under the Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojana Parishad’s direction, 935 out-of-school children were identified in Ambala.

Statistics at a glance

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2025: 935 children identified during the survey

2024: 1,263 children identified; 906 enrolled in bridge courses

2023: 758 children identified; 734 enrolled and later admitted to government schools

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Main locations: Brick kilns, industrial areas, poultry farms and construction sites

Next steps: Enrolment in bridge courses in May and eventual admission to government schools

The majority of these children belong to migrant labourer families and were found at brick kilns, industrial areas, poultry farms and construction sites. To address the issue, nearly 50 special training centres will be set up where educational volunteers will prepare the children for age-appropriate classes. After completing a bridge course and gaining grade-level competence, the children will be admitted to government schools.

Last year, 1,263 out-of-school children were identified in the district, but only 906 were enrolled in bridge courses across 47 special training centres. The remaining children reportedly returned to their native states. Similarly, in 2023, 758 such children were identified, of which 734 completed the bridge course and were subsequently enrolled in government schools.

Ambala District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) Sudhir Kalra said, “A survey was conducted for out-of-school children during the winter vacations in which 935 such children have been identified. Majority of the children belong to migrant families. The data of these children will soon be uploaded on the Project Appraisal, Budgeting, Achievements and Data Handling System (PRABANDH) of Samagra Shiksha and a bridge course will be started in May. After the course, they will be enrolled in the age-appropriate class.”

Kalra added, “Nearly 50 special training centres will be opened in government schools where educational volunteers will impart knowledge. A three-day training session was organised for the volunteers. Although the survey concluded on January 15, volunteers were directed on the final day of training to visit unexplored areas to identify more children. Their data will also be sent to headquarters and registered on the PRABANDH portal for approval and a budget will be allocated for their education.”

On the challenges of retaining students, Kalra said, “Since the children move with their parents, they relocate to other districts or even back to their native states once the work is completed. As a result, they fail to attend the bridge course. Last year, 1,263 students were identified, but just over 900 attended the courses. The children who complete the bridge course this year will be enrolled in government schools by May. We work to motivate parents to send their children to the centres and ensure they continue their education.”