Migrant Children Account for 36% of 2,914 State School Dropouts in Kerala
In the 2024-25 academic year, 2,914 students dropped out of schools following the Kerala State syllabus. Among them, 1,068 children—or 36.65%—were children of inter-State migrant workers, making them the largest group of dropouts, according to a written reply by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen in the State Assembly.
The majority of these migrant-origin students hail from Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. The Minister stated that most discontinued studies because they returned to their native states with their parents, or their families moved to other locations for work. Ernakulam district recorded the highest number of such dropouts at 390 (36.5%), followed by Malappuram (169) and Idukki (127).
Additionally, 29 students were children of workers from other countries—27 from Nepal and two from Bangladesh—who left due to returning to their home countries.
Another significant reason for dropping out, cited by the Minister, was “lack of interest in studies,” affecting 704 students statewide. Wayanad district accounted for 297 of these (42.19%), with 266 of them in high school (Classes VIII to X). Other districts with notable numbers were Palakkad (92), Thrissur (60), and Kannur (55).
Other reasons for leaving school included moving to other states or countries (213 students), dysfunctional family backgrounds (174), persistent illness or accidents (163), and prioritising religious education (103). Additional factors were parents’ negative attitude towards education (78), poor financial condition (43), mobile phone addiction (33), and distance from school (29).
In response, the LDF government launched the Jyothi programme in 2024 to ensure school education for children of inter-State migrant workers and curb dropouts. Local self-government institutions were directed to maintain academic registers for such children, and teachers and school authorities, along with local officials, conduct home visits to verify regular attendance. The Directorate of General Education reported that enrollment of out-of-state students in Classes I–X increased by over 13% from 2023-24 to 2024-25, rising from 20,911 to 23,637.
