A Silent Exodus: Bengal’s Education Crisis is Forcing Students Out of Schools and Into Labour
Madhu Sudan Chatterjee | 23 March 2025 | The Wire
Scene 1: Struggles of a marginalised student
On January 6 this year, Paresh Hansda, an assistant teacher at Susunia High School, visited Dulali Mandi’s home in Paharbediya village of Chhatna Block, Bankura district. This village lies adjacent to the picturesque Susunia Hill, a well-known tourist destination in West Bengal. Dulali Mandi’s son, Bapon, was promoted to Class 9, but he has not yet re-enrolled, despite the readmission process having started on January 2. Enrollment in Class 9 is critical for students, as it is a prerequisite for appearing in the Madhyamik (Class 10 or board) examination.
Hansda urges Dulali to ensure her son’s immediate readmission. However, she responds, “Bapon is not at home. He left for Bangalore six months ago to work as a migrant labourer. He sends me Rs 15,000 per month to support our family. Can you assure me that studying here will secure him a job? How will we survive if he returns to school? Will you provide Rs 15,000 per month? What will education change for him?”…