The directive sparks outrage and raises questions over human rights implications
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The Delhi government has announced a controversial move barring children of “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants” from enrolling in government and private schools. The order, issued on Monday by the Directorate of Education, has sparked sharp criticism and debate over its implications on human rights and the responsibilities of a progressive society.
The circular mandates schools to conduct rigorous document verification to prevent the admission of children from such backgrounds. It further instructs schools to contact the police or relevant authorities if doubts arise about a student’s citizenship.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Singh defended the decision, stating that it safeguards the rights of Delhi’s residents. In a strongly worded statement on social media, she accused the BJP of double standards.
h”On one hand, BJP leaders facilitate the entry of Rohingyas into Delhi. On the other, the Aam Aadmi Party is taking every step to ensure that the rights of Delhiites are not given to Rohingyas,” she said, pointing to a post by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri that advocated restricting resources for the Rohingya community.
The directive has been linked to broader efforts to curb what some officials term “illegal settlement.” Singh further emphasised that this order is in alignment with the policy of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), asserting “We will not allow the rights of Delhiites to be given to the Rohingya community. This circular ensures no Rohingya child is admitted to Delhi’s schools.”
In a parallel effort, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a drive to identify children of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants already enrolled in schools. Authorities are scouring slums, informal settlements, and footpaths to identify undocumented residents.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has directed both the Delhi Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police to ensure strict action against such migrants, further escalating measures against illegal settlers.
The move has enraged activists, educators, and legal experts who argue that such policies are discriminatory and target vulnerable communities. Critics question the ethics of denying education to children based on their parents’ legal status, highlighting that such steps contravene international conventions on children’s rights.
“This is not just a legal issue but a humanitarian one,” said advocate Zafarullah Khan, a human rights lawyer. “How can a democratic government justify depriving children of education, a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and various global treaties?”
Others have raised concerns about the verification process. “This opens the door for misuse and harassment of minorities,” warned Asad Raza, an educationist based in Delhi. “It’s a slippery slope where genuine residents could also be caught in the crossfire of bureaucratic zeal.”
The government’s approach has also reignited a debate over the treatment of refugees and undocumented migrants. Many argue that the distinction between Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya refugees has been blurred in the political narrative.
Rohingya refugees, fleeing persecution in Myanmar, have been a contentious issue in Delhi politics. While international bodies advocate their rehabilitation, the Delhi government has taken a hard stance, refusing them housing, jobs, or basic amenities.
Arvind Kejriwal, chief of the AAP, reiterated his government’s commitment to barring Rohingyas from settling in Delhi. “We will not provide flats, jobs, and other facilities to the Rohingya community under any circumstances,” he said.
While proponents argue the move is necessary to secure limited resources for Delhi’s residents, detractors stress that it perpetuates cycles of poverty and marginalisation. The denial of education, in particular, could have far-reaching consequences for affected children.
An unnamed Rohingya youth living in Delhi expressed despair: “We fled our country to escape persecution, but here we face another kind of rejection. Are our children not human? Do they not deserve a chance to live with dignity?”
The Delhi government’s directive has drawn a line in the sand on the issue of illegal immigration. However, the debate over its social, ethical, and legal ramifications continues to gather pace. As authorities proceed with enforcement, the voices of affected families and activists serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost of such policies.
In the words of educationist Asad Raza: “Today, it’s about Bangladeshi children; tomorrow, it could be anyone. Where does it stop?”
