By Ahmed Noor
JALNA: UNICEF India National Ambassador and actor Ayushmann Khurrana on Wednesday visited a school at Chandai Tepli village in Bhokardan tehsil of Jalna district and reviewed a UNICEF-supported initiative aimed at ensuring the care, education and protection of children of seasonal migrant workers.
During his visit, Khurrana interacted with schoolchildren, adolescent girls and boys, relatives, villagers and UNICEF-trained child-friendly volunteers, known as “Balmitras”. These volunteers support children who remain behind when their parents migrate for seasonal employment.
“Protecting the childhood of every child around us is a collective responsibility of society. The way villagers and relatives in Jalna have taken responsibility for the children of migrant workers is truly commendable,” Khurrana said.
Initiative Covers Hundreds of Villages
The UNICEF-supported initiative has been implemented in Jalna district since 2014 and currently covers hundreds of villages. It aims to ensure that children do not have to migrate with their parents and that their education, health and overall development are not affected by seasonal migration.
Under the programme, children stay with grandparents, relatives or trusted members of the community through family-based alternative care. UNICEF-trained Balmitras assist them with education, nutrition, play, mental well-being and participation in various activities.
The initiative has helped reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates while improving children‘s access to health and nutrition services.
According to government officials, more than 5,800 children in Jalna district stayed with grandparents or relatives during 2024-25 while their parents migrated for seasonal work. In 2026, 649 youth volunteers are working across six talukas.
The programme has also been expanded to another 198 villages under the leadership of the district administration and the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department.
‘No Child Should Lose Childhood’
“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,” Khurrana said.
He said the programme not only provides children with a safe home but also preserves family relationships, builds confidence and gives them hope for a better future.
Khurrana stressed the need for collective efforts to prevent child labour, child marriage and adolescent pregnancy.
UNICEF India Deputy Representative Jasper Moller said UNICEF was pleased to support the Jalna district administration in providing a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children.
He emphasised the importance of identifying risks to children at an early stage, connecting families with essential services and strengthening social protection systems.
Khurrana and Moller also met the Jalna district administration and appreciated the impact of the programme on children and their families.
Collector Appreciates UNICEF Support
Jalna District Collector Ashima Mittal said Khurrana and UNICEF officials held discussions with the district administration and appreciated its efforts.
“Khurran also offered suggestions on strengthening initiatives for children of migrant workers,” Mittal said.
“The district administration will continue to extend all possible support to UNICEF for this cause,” she added.
Photo Caption: UNICEF India National Ambassador and actor Ayushmann Khurrana interacts with children during his visit to Chandai Tepli village in Bhokardan tehsil of Jalna district as part of a UNICEF-supported programme for children of seasonal migrant workers.
Discover more from NewsNation Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
आपके लिए सुझाव
