1 week ago
Ayushmann Khurrana Praises Jalna Programme Protecting Migrant Workers’ Children
Some parents in Jalna travel to other places to find seasonal work.
Their children can stay with grandparents, relatives or trusted community members instead of migrating with them.
This helps children continue attending school.
UNICEF-trained volunteers called Balmitras help with education, food, health, play and emotional well-being.
Ayushmann Khurrana visited a school involved in this programme.
He praised the villagers and relatives for helping protect the children.
The programme has helped reduce school absences and dropouts.
Khurrana said protecting every child’s childhood is everyone’s responsibility.
Ayushmann Khurrana visited a school in Chandai Tepli village, Jalna district, on Wednesday.
He praised villagers and relatives caring for children whose parents migrate for seasonal work.
The UNICEF-supported initiative has operated in Jalna since 2014 and covers hundreds of villages.
Children stay with grandparents, relatives or trusted community members under family-based alternative care.
More than 5,800 children stayed with relatives during their parents’ seasonal migration in 2024-25.
- Who
- Actor and UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, UNICEF representatives, villagers, relatives and Balmitras.
- What
- Khurrana visited and reviewed a UNICEF-supported programme caring for children of seasonal migrant workers.
- Where
- A school in Chandai Tepli village, Bhokardan tehsil, in Maharashtra’s Jalna district.
- When
- Khurrana visited on Wednesday; one report was dated August 20. Programme figures include 2024-25 and, in one report, 2026.
- Why
- The initiative aims to prevent children from migrating with their parents and protect their education, health, development and well-being.
Key facts
- Programme start
- The initiative has been implemented in Jalna district since 2014 with UNICEF support.
- Village coverage
- One report says the programme operates in 258 villages and has expanded to 198 additional villages; other reports describe coverage as hundreds of villages.
- Children supported
- More than 5,800 children stayed with grandparents or relatives during their parents’ seasonal migration in 2024-25.
- Family-based care
- Family-based alternative care arrangements accounted for 60.23% of children in Jalna district, according to one report.
- Youth volunteers
- One report says 649 youth volunteers were active across six talukas as of 2026.
- Balmitra role
- UNICEF-trained Balmitras support children with education, nutrition, play, mental well-being and participation in activities.
- Related concerns
- Khurrana called for collective efforts to prevent child labour, child marriage and adolescent pregnancy.
Quotes
Ayushmann Khurrana
Indian actor and UNICEF National Ambassador
“"Seasonal migration caused by economic hardship is not a choice for many families but a harsh reality. No child should have to lose their childhood because of circumstances beyond their control"”
freepressjournal.in
“"Safeguarding the childhood of every child around us is a collective responsibility of society, and society should contribute towards this cause,"”
freepressjournal.in
freepressjournal.in
Jasper Moller
UNICEF India deputy representative
“"The importance of identifying risks to children at an early stage, connecting families with essential services and strengthening social protection systems"”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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