Are Summer Camps in Kashmir Becoming Too Expensive? Parents Say Private Schools Are Charging Too Much
Rafiq Bhat
Srinagar, August 5 : What used to be a fun and educational break for students has turned into a big worry for parents in Kashmir. Many private schools are running summer camps, but parents say the fees ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 are just too much.
Some parents say they had to borrow money or simply kept their children at home because they couldn’t afford it. One parent from Baramulla, Irfan Ahmad, shared, We were told the summer camp was optional. But when all the students are joining and teachers are working as normal, it feels compulsory. He ended up paying ₹6,000 so his son could take part.
Another parent from Anantnag said, “I borrowed ₹5,000 just so my daughter wouldn’t feel left out. This isn’t a summer camp anymore it’s a money making camp.”
But this is not just about summer camps. Parents are also upset about other high charges like expensive uniforms, outdoor activity fees, and even money for small things like printed circulars. One parent from Srinagar reported being charged ₹2,500 for a field trip that lasted only two hours. Some schools only let parents buy uniforms and books from specific shops, making basic things even more expensive.
Education experts are worried that these practices are taking away the true purpose of school. “When schools focus more on making money than on teaching, students especially those from poorer families are the ones who suffer,” said education activist Faheem Qureshi.
While the government has tried to set rules about how much schools can charge, parents say enforcement is weak and schools keep finding ways to collect more money.
Now, parents across Kashmir are asking the government to set limits on summer camp and extra activity fees and to require schools to clearly explain how money is being used. One parent summed it up: We’re not against education. We’re against being taken advantage of.
The big question for the government is this: Will it step in to protect families, or will private schools be free to keep raising their prices? For many in Kashmir, education should be a right not just something for those who can afford it.
