Ayushmann Khurrana Supports Initiative to Protect Migrant Children

Renowned actor and UNICEF National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana visited a local school in Chandai Tepli village in Jalna district on Wednesday, where he interacted with students and praised an initiative that helps children of migrant workers.

The initiative, supported by UNICEF, has been implemented in 258 villages of Jalna district since 2014. It aims to ensure that children of parents who migrate for work do not have to migrate with them, thereby preventing migration from adversely affecting their health, education, and overall well-being.

Under the initiative, children of migrant parents are cared for through family-based alternative arrangements supervised by relatives, grandparents, or trusted community members. This approach has helped curb school dropout rates among these children and ensure their well-being.

According to UNICEF, the proportion of children living in family-based alternative care arrangements has steadily risen to 60.23% in Jalna district. As of 2026, 649 youth volunteers are active across six talukas. The program has been expanded to an additional 198 villages under the leadership of the District Collector and the State Migration Committee of the Maharashtra Government's Women and Child Development Department.

In 2024-25, more than 5,800 children stayed with grandparents or relatives when their parents migrated for seasonal work. Khurrana said that migration driven by seasonal or financial hardships is not a voluntary choice but a harsh reality for many families, and no child should have to lose their childhood due to circumstances beyond their control.

UNICEF's program not only provides a safe home but also nurtures relationships, builds self-confidence among children, and offers them hope for a bright future. UNICEF India's Jasper Moller said that UNICEF was delighted to support the Jalna district administration in providing children with a safe and enriching environment.

Khurrana and Moller also met the Jalna District Collector and appreciated the impact of the program on children and their families. The initiative is a collective effort to safeguard the childhood of every child around us, and society should contribute towards this cause.

The success of the initiative in Jalna district is a testament to the power of collective responsibility and community-based solutions. It highlights the importance of ensuring that children's rights and well-being are protected, especially in situations where their families are affected by migration.

In conclusion, the initiative supported by UNICEF in Jalna district is a significant step towards protecting the childhood of migrant children. It demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when society comes together to address the needs of vulnerable children and ensures that they have access to education, healthcare, and a safe and nurturing environment.

This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when governments, NGOs, and community members work together to address the complex issues surrounding migration and child welfare. It is a reminder that safeguarding the childhood of every child is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders.

As Ayushmann Khurrana emphasized, no child should have to lose their childhood due to circumstances beyond their control. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

The success of this initiative in Jalna district serves as a model for other districts and states to follow, and it highlights the importance of addressing the needs of migrant children and their families. It is a call to action for all of us to come together and make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.

In the end, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has a safe and nurturing childhood, and initiatives like this one are a step in the right direction.