In cities across southern India, the escalating cost of education has become a heavy burden for many parents. From hidden charges to lack of transparency, frustration is growing as families grapple with steep fees. Parents in states like Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are united in calling for greater regulation of school fees.
Telangana: A Market Driven by High Fees
In Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, the soaring costs of preschools have left many parents questioning the value of the education their children are receiving. Niharika, a software professional, pays ₹22,000 per month for her two-year-old daughter at KLAY preschool, which includes ₹16,500 for tuition and ₹2,000 for meals. Despite the hefty fees, Niharika is concerned about the quality of care. “The caregiver-to-child ratio promised was 1:4, but I often see only two or three caregivers managing over 15 kids,” she said.
“I haven’t noticed any new skills or behaviors being taught,” Niharika added, echoing the sentiments of many parents who view education more as a financial necessity than a developmental opportunity for their children.
In comparison, T.I.M.E preschool charges ₹55,000 annually with a better caregiver ratio. However, some institutions are reluctant to disclose their fee structures, with one preschool refusing to provide this information, citing company policy.
Kerala: Lack of Transparency and Rising Costs
In Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, parents are similarly burdened by high school fees and a lack of transparency. Meena, a mother from Kazhakoottam, pays ₹43,000 annually at SN Public School, including ₹13,000 in admission fees and ₹2,400 in monthly tuition. She also faces additional charges for activities like the Annual Day, which add up to ₹1,800.
For Anjali Akhil, the fees at T.I.M.E preschool, totaling ₹43,000 annually, are compounded by transportation costs of ₹2,800 and uniform charges of ₹2,000. Many parents are frustrated by what they perceive as unnecessary fees and a lack of clarity regarding where their money is going.
Neetha Xavier, whose two children attend Christ Nagar School, faces an annual cost of ₹55,000 in admission fees, in addition to term fees of ₹10,500 per child, three times a year. She expressed concern over the frequent imposition of unexplained charges. “There’s no transparency. Fees keep piling up without adequate explanation,” she said.
Tamil Nadu: Balancing Quality and Cost
In Tamil Nadu, high preschool fees are a common complaint. Kannadasan, a parent in Chennai, pays ₹50,000 annually at SBOA School, a sum that covers monthly events as well. “While it’s a significant amount, the events are well-organized,” he said. For others like Thillainanthan, whose children attend Maharishi Vidya Mandir, fees have reached ₹35,000 for preschool, with an increase to ₹38,000 for his second child.
While some schools offer clear and straightforward fee structures, like Lady Andal School (₹45,000 annually), others charge as much as ₹1.5 lakh for preschool. With such high costs, many parents are increasingly turning to homeschooling as a more affordable alternative. “The fees for A1 schools are ridiculous, especially for preschool. Paying such high amounts for early education felt unnecessary,” said Ramini, a parent who chose to homeschool her child.
Karnataka: Unregulated Fees and Exploitative Practices
Bengaluru’s preschool fees are among the highest in the country, with many institutions charging between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh annually. D. Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka, blames the lack of oversight for unregulated nursery schools. “These schools are not recognized, and their accounts are unmonitored,” Kumar said. “Despite Supreme Court guidelines, these institutions operate without checks.”
Kumar also pointed out that many schools force parents to buy uniforms and books at inflated prices, often through exclusive partnerships with specific brands. “Schools shouldn’t monopolize purchases, yet this practice continues under the guise of convenience,” he noted.
The rise in unregulated nursery schools has prompted some parents to seek alternatives. “Many parents equate high fees with quality education. But the market thrives on societal pressure to maintain a certain status,” said a school consultant. This belief has driven many parents to enroll their children in schools that charge exorbitant fees, even when the actual educational content is standard.
Government Intervention Needed
Parents across these states are now calling for government action to regulate fees and ensure transparency. In Telangana, the state government has proposed the formation of a Fee Regulatory Committee, similar to one already established for professional courses, to oversee school fees. However, it remains unclear if preschool fees will fall under its jurisdiction.
Parents like Niharika are hopeful that government intervention could bring some relief. “Education should not come at the cost of our livelihood,” she said. “If the government standardizes fees or strengthens public schools, we could finally breathe a sigh of relief.”
The situation across southern India highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable for all families. As parents continue to face rising costs without corresponding improvements in educational quality, the call for greater accountability from educational institutions and government intervention grows louder.
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