Parents across South India are advocating for reforms to address rising school fees and uneven implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Families are struggling with financial strain due to high tuition costs, hidden charges, and limited access to quality education.
The financial burden of education
In cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru, annual school expenses per child often range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh, with additional fees for transport and activities. Many parents, like Bhavani Prasad of Whitefield, Bengaluru, cut household expenses to afford education. The rising fees, often justified by citing inflation, add to their woes.
Transparency challenges
Parents frequently criticize schools for unclear fee structures and hidden costs. For instance, uniforms and transportation for RTE students in Chennai often incur unanticipated expenses, discouraging low-income families.
Inconsistent RTE implementation
While some established CBSE schools comply with RTE provisions, newer institutions lag behind. Parents argue that indirect costs linked to RTE policies are passed on to them. States like Karnataka have streamlined reimbursements, yet challenges persist.
CBSE vs. State Board
Parents weigh options between the rigorous and competitive CBSE curriculum and the affordable, regional-focused State Board syllabi. Infrastructure and teacher quality remain crucial factors influencing their choices.
The demand for reforms
Parents urge governments to cap fees, improve transparency, prioritize modern teaching methods, and enforce RTE guidelines more effectively. Strengthening public schools is seen as a long-term solution to ease the financial burden on families.
Read Also
