Education or Profiteering: Unveiling the Truth Behind Private School Fee Hikes

Delhi News: When Delhi's Divya Maitei protested against the fee hike, her 16-year-old son became a 'criminal' in school. Neither participating in sports competitions nor being present in the class WhatsApp group - he was taken out of class and taunted. Not only this, children of many such parents are facing mental harassment for raising their voices against arbitrary fees.

Enrollment in nursery, but fees like post graduation

In a private school in Lucknow, the three-month fee for classes 4 and 8 has reached Rs 39,000 and Rs 42,000. But the annual increase in the salary of a common working parent is only 6–8%, while school fees increase at the rate of 10–40%. In such a situation, the question arises: is education really shaping the future of children, or someone else's bank balance?

Studying by taking loan: Education is not an investment; it is becoming a burden

Between 2013 and 2022, the school fees of a parent increased from Rs 55,000 to Rs 1.62 lakh. Many families are now spending more on children's education than their income. EMI and education loans have become the new format of education. Not banks, now schools also speak the language of interest.

Books, dress, course: Mathematics of earning in everything

Schools now not only sell education but also charge money in the name of merchandise, coding classes, short-term courses, and preparation for the 'Common University Entrance Test.' To buy uniforms and books, parents have to shop from designated shops only - even if the price is double.

Private schools are now startups; education is their product

The principal of Mumbai's RN Podar School says, When schools are sold to a private equity firm, then profit is important, not education. Now schools are run not for the welfare of children, but for the satisfaction of shareholders.

The government was silent, and the court woke up - but for how long?

In a survey by LocalCircles, 93% of parents said that the government did nothing. However, the Supreme Court recently asked tough questions of the Delhi government and private schools. Regulatory committees have been formed in Gujarat to control fees, and fines have also been imposed - but will this be possible in other states?

Fundamental right of education or burden of expensive dreams?

When fees become bigger than education, and debt becomes the primary responsibility of parents, then the question arises not on schools but on the entire system. Do we want an India where children's classes decide their fees?