NSS supports migrant workers in Bengal
The Statesman | 12 September 2025A significant section of workers from Bengal, who have been working in other states for more than five decades, now feel panicked and insecure in their own country.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya has been playing a remarkable role. Hundreds of workers from Odisha, Haryana, Bihar and other states, along with their families, migrate to Balagarh and find employment in the brick kilns.
Partha Chatterjee, programme officer of the NSS, said: “The parents work in the brick kilns while their children wander all day without proper clothes, food or education. We therefore took the initiative to look after the education of the children of migrant workers.”
The integration of migrant workers’ children into the mainstream education system remains a key challenge in India’s education policy. On 11 September, under the proactive initiative of the NSS of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya, a renewed admission drive was launched for the children of migrant workers in government schools.
The admission process was carried out systematically. NSS volunteers conducted door-to-door surveys to identify eligible families and spread awareness about the drive. Since many migrant families struggle with documentation, volunteers helped collect papers, guided parents, and assisted with affidavits. The Programme Officer also coordinated directly with government schools to ensure smooth admissions and immediate integration of children.
Under the guidance of the NSS officer, volunteers also provided clothes, food, medical care and books to the children.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya has been playing a remarkable role. Hundreds of workers from Odisha, Haryana, Bihar and other states, along with their families, migrate to Balagarh and find employment in the brick kilns.
Partha Chatterjee, programme officer of the NSS, said: “The parents work in the brick kilns while their children wander all day without proper clothes, food or education. We therefore took the initiative to look after the education of the children of migrant workers.”
The integration of migrant workers’ children into the mainstream education system remains a key challenge in India’s education policy. On 11 September, under the proactive initiative of the NSS of Balagarh Bijoy Krishna Mahavidyalaya, a renewed admission drive was launched for the children of migrant workers in government schools.
The admission process was carried out systematically. NSS volunteers conducted door-to-door surveys to identify eligible families and spread awareness about the drive. Since many migrant families struggle with documentation, volunteers helped collect papers, guided parents, and assisted with affidavits. The Programme Officer also coordinated directly with government schools to ensure smooth admissions and immediate integration of children.
This initiative strengthens the link between higher education institutions and local schools, highlighting social service as an academic responsibility. It not only provides migrant children with access to education but also restores dignity and recognition. Expanding the programme in future to include remedial classes and counselling could further improve their academic integration and well-being.
Under the guidance of the NSS officer, volunteers also provided clothes, food, medical care and books to the children.
