Disparities in Educational Outcome Among Informal Migrant Workers’ Children: Evidence from Bengaluru, India
Manasi S, Malini L Tantri, Channamma Kambara, Indrajit Bairagya, Vijayalakshmi S
Abstract
This study investigates the educational disparities among children of informal migrant workers in Bengaluru, focusing on three sectors: construction, garment, and domestic work. Using a mixed-method approach, the research integrates quantitative data from national and state surveys with insights from interviews conducted with 656 migrant workers who migrated to Bengaluru with their children. Findings reveal marked differences in educational outcomes among these children, highlighting substantial heterogeneity tied to several factors. Parental education levels emerge as a crucial determinant, exhibiting positive correlation between their education and educational outcome of their children. Additionally, language barriers present significant challenges, limiting children’s access to effective learning environments and hindering integration into local school systems. Awareness and access to government schemes also vary, with some families lacking knowledge of resources designed to support migrant children’s education. These combined factors contribute to the widening educational gap, creating a cycle of limited opportunities for migrant children. The study underscores the need for targeted policies to improve educational support for migrant communities. It suggests that tailored interventions addressing language, awareness, and access to educational resources could help mitigate these inequalities.