On Monday, the Delhi government directed schools in the capital to prevent the enrolment of undocumented Bangladeshi migrant children and to notify authorities if there are any concerns about a student's citizenship status.
A circular issued by the Directorate of Education emphasized that schools must enforce strict admission procedures, carefully verify students’ documentation, and apply enhanced scrutiny to prevent the enrolment of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. Schools were instructed to ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted, verified, and properly handled during the admission process.
If there is any doubt about a student's citizenship, schools are required to report the issue to police and revenue authorities. These instructions apply not only to government-aided schools but also to unaided, recognized private schools.
District and zonal education deputy directors have been tasked with submitting weekly reports on the matter.
Atishi Criticizes BJP’s Rohingya Policy
Chief Minister Atishi shared the circular on social media, along with a screenshot of a 2022 post by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri about providing housing to Rohingya refugees under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.
In her post, Atishi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of bringing Rohingyas to Delhi and providing them with housing meant for Delhi residents. She contrasted this with the Aam Aadmi Party’s stance, emphasizing that the Delhi government is taking steps to ensure Rohingyas do not receive rights meant for Delhi’s residents.
Atishi wrote, “On one side, BJP leaders bring Rohingyas to Delhi after making them cross the border from Bangladesh, giving them EWS flats and facilities meant for Delhiites. On the other hand, the AAP government of Delhi is doing everything possible to ensure that Rohingyas do not get the rights of Delhiites.”
Aam Aadmi Party’s Commitment to Protect Delhi’s Rights
Atishi also stated that the education department’s directive is designed to prevent Rohingya children from being admitted to government schools in Delhi, emphasizing that the rights of Delhi residents will not be compromised.
In response to the 2022 post, Puri had clarified that no Rohingya migrants had been provided housing in Delhi.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal also asserted that his party would not allow the BJP to settle Rohingyas in Delhi under any circumstances. He added, “We will not allow them to provide flats, employment, and facilities meant for the poor of Delhi to the Rohingyas.”
On Friday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi issued an order for a drive to identify undocumented Bangladeshi migrant children in schools.
Action Against Undocumented Migrants
Earlier this month, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed the chief secretary and police commissioner to take action against undocumented Bangladeshi migrants. Police have been conducting searches in slums, unauthorized colonies, and on footpaths.
Upcoming Elections and Political Implications
This action comes ahead of Delhi’s upcoming Assembly elections, expected to be held by February, though the Election Commission has not yet announced the schedule.
