Delhi Govt Under Fire as SFI Condemns Circular Targeting Bangladeshi Migrants in School Admissions

CM Atishi Defends Delhi Govt's Directive on School Admissions, Citing Concerns Over Illegal Bangladeshi Migrants

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has strongly criticized the AAP government’s recent directive requiring stringent admission procedures in Delhi’s Directorate of Education (DoE) schools to “prevent illegal Bangladeshi migrants’ enrollment.”

In a statement, SFI demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular dated December 23, 2024, asserting that it undermines the inclusive ethos of the Right to Education Act. The organization accused the AAP government of promoting a communal agenda, referencing the government’s alleged history of "soft Hindutva politics," including its ambiguous stance during the Delhi riots and rhetoric targeting Rohingya refugees.

“This circular attacks the very imagination of education enshrined in the Right to Education Act and violates the promise of inclusivity and egalitarianism,” the SFI stated. They called for the government to prioritize accessible education for students from all religious, ethnic, and linguistic minorities and to strengthen vernacular language education to boost enrollment and participation.

Controversial Circular Sparks Debate

The circular, which echoes a similar directive issued earlier by the MCD, instructs schools to verify applicants’ identity and residence proofs thoroughly. Required documents include Aadhaar cards, birth certificates, and valid residence proof, such as rent agreements or utility bills. Suspicious cases must be reported to the Directorate of Education (DoE).

AAP leader and Delhi CM Atishi defended the order, stating on social media platform X, “Today, the Education Department of the Delhi government has passed a strict order that no Rohingya should be given admission in the government schools of Delhi. We will not let the rights of the people of Delhi be taken away!”

Education department officials have clarified that the directive aims to address potential misuse of school admissions by individuals using forged documents. However, the order has drawn criticism from rights groups for potentially alienating marginalized communities.

As per a press release issued by the SFI, “The AAP-led Delhi government must revoke this order immediately, as it stands in direct conflict with the constitutional rights and the spirit of equality.”

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