No Aadhaar, No School’: Education of Pakistani Refugee Children in Delhi Stuck in Limbo

It has been five years since the family of Daulatram, a Pakistani Hindu refugee from Sindh, moved to India seeking a better future for their children. However, the education of his children, and many others living in the settlement near Delhi’s Signature Bridge, remains in limbo due to a lack of proper documentation.

Most children in the settlement have been forced to drop out after fifth standard, as Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools require identity documents such as Aadhaar or other valid proof for enrollment.

Mr. Daulatram, who supports his family by running a roadside stall, has five children, but only his youngest attends school. His daughter Sandhya, currently in fifth standard, will likely have to discontinue her education next year. He said, “We came here with all our heart and money. We don’t see any growth, we don’t have a proper place, we are just working hand to mouth.”

The lack of legal documentation has left many refugee children in educational limbo, unable to access formal schooling despite living in the capital for years. Experts and child welfare advocates have highlighted that without intervention, thousands of children risk being denied their right to education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Local NGOs and social workers have been trying to fill the gap through informal learning centers, but these efforts are limited in scale and resources. The government has yet to provide a clear solution to ensure that refugee children can continue their education without facing bureaucratic hurdles.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by refugee families in India, who often struggle with basic rights such as education, healthcare, and housing, despite living in the country for several years.