The Kerala government launched a program called ‘Jyothi’ to help the children of migrant workers get access to education. This initiative aims to tackle the ongoing issue of educational exclusion that this group faces, as many children miss out on schooling because their families frequently move or struggle to access public services.

Migrant workers play a vital role in Kerala's economy, with over 35 lakh people working in key sectors. Many of them live in the state with their families, which is why the government is extending its free and universal public education system to their children as well. The "Jyothi" program will bring all migrant children aged 3 to 6 into government-run childcare centres called anganwadis. Children aged 6 and older will be integrated into public schools. The initiative also focuses on including cultural and educational aspects, aiming for broader social integration and empowerment.

In April 2025, the government launched a month-long campaign in May to help enrol migrant children who are out of school. The goal was to reach these children directly at their settlements. This initiative came after a high-level meeting, which highlighted the ongoing educational challenges faced by migrant children.

“We are taking education to where the children are. No child should be left behind simply because their parents move for work,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said while announcing the campaign. He also mentioned that a special education program for migrant children would be launched at the state government's fourth anniversary event in Ernakulam on May 7. A special enrolment drive is being carried out with the help of many groups, like local government members, Kudumbashree workers, schoolteachers and parent-teacher associations. They will work together to find and enrol migrant children into nearby schools. This builds on earlier programs like the Roshni project and efforts in Idukki and Kannur. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is now in charge of creating a complete education plan for these children.

To make sure children don’t miss school when their families move during the year, the government plans to set up a system to track where the children are and help them continue their education smoothly. The program also includes health and wellness support. Children and their families in migrant communities will get health check-ups and medical camps. It also promotes cleanliness, healthy habits, and awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

V Sivankutty, the general education minister, emphasised the need to create supporting settings outside of the classroom. He stated, "Children need spaces to grow, not just classrooms." Local authorities have been asked to set up safe and welcoming public spaces where children can enjoy holiday-time activities like art, sports, and cultural programs, helping migrant and local children interact and learn from one another.

Kerala has launched ‘Jyothi’ as part of its efforts to modernise how it keeps track of migrant workers. Back in September 2024, the state introduced a single website and mobile app to make it easier for all guest workers to register using their Aadhaar number. Each worker will get a unique ID, and their information will be shared with different government departments. Now, employers, contractors, and anyone who provides housing must register the workers they employ or host. The Labour Department will soon release detailed rules and start awareness campaigns.

Earlier, in 2023, Kerala had introduced the Athidhi portal, which used mobile numbers for registration. The new system now requires Aadhaar verification and can also record information about workers’ children.