Bangladeshi Immigrant Children Banned from Schools in Delhi

Critics argue the policy infringes on fundamental rights, particularly the constitutional guarantee of education for all children, irrespective of their parents’ legal status.

The Delhi government has sparked controversy by issuing a directive barring children of Bangladeshi immigrants from enrolling in government and private schools. The contentious order, released by the Directorate of Education, mandates rigorous document verification and requires schools to report suspected cases to the police or concerned authorities.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Singh defended the move, citing the need to prioritize the rights of Delhi’s residents. However, critics argue the policy infringes on fundamental rights, particularly the constitutional guarantee of education for all children, irrespective of their parents’ legal status.

Human rights lawyer Zafarullah Khan described the directive as “a humanitarian issue,” emphasizing that denying education based on citizenship conflicts with ethical and constitutional principles. “Every child deserves access to education, regardless of their parents’ background,” he stated.

Educationist Asad Raza raised concerns about potential misuse of the directive, warning that stringent verification processes could lead to harassment of minorities and genuine residents. He also highlighted the broader implications of the policy. “Denying education perpetuates poverty and alienation, creating deeper societal divides,” Raza said.

Activists and legal experts have called for the withdrawal of the directive, urging the government to uphold children’s rights and address concerns of discrimination. The policy has ignited a broader debate on balancing national security with humanitarian obligations.