The Unchecked Exploitation by Private Schools: Who Will Hold Them Accountable?
ANN NEWS DESK
Parents across Srinagar and other districts in Jammu & Kashmir are raising their voices against an alarming trend—an unprecedented hike in school fees by private institutions. For the first time in history, fee structures in some schools have been increased by nearly 100%, causing widespread frustration and outrage among families. Parents, already burdened by economic challenges, now face the crushing weight of exorbitant fees, arbitrary yearly charges, and additional costs imposed by these schools.
Parents claim that the hike is unreasonable, unjustified, and blatantly illegal. One parent from Srinagar, with two children enrolled in a reputed private school, shared his plight with ANN News. “I recently received a message from the school about the fee hike. I don’t have that kind of income to pay such inflated fees. What should I do now?” he questioned, his frustration echoing the sentiment of many others.
Another parent from Baramulla expressed a similar concern. “If we complain to the higher authorities, our children face humiliation at school. Where should we go? Whom should we approach for justice?” This sentiment highlights a disturbing culture of fear that has left parents feeling voiceless and vulnerable.
Parents blame a nexus of powerful business houses running these elite schools, supported by bureaucrats and politicians who turn a blind eye to the exploitation. These institutions operate like profit-driven corporations, disregarding the economic hardships faced by families. Under the guise of “providing quality education,” they have introduced unnecessary charges, uniform mandates, transportation fees, and annual fund collections, further adding to the financial strain on parents.
The big question remains: Why doesn’t the government intervene? Education is a fundamental right, yet it is being commercialized at the expense of students and their families. Despite the cries of parents and repeated complaints, authorities have failed to regulate the fee structures of private schools. The absence of stringent policies and lack of accountability have emboldened these institutions to exploit families unchecked.
Parents argue that it is the government’s responsibility to:
Establish Fee Regulation Authorities: Independent bodies should oversee fee hikes and approve changes only if justified.
Enforce Transparency: Schools must disclose their financial reports to ensure that fees are used for educational purposes rather than profiteering.
Introduce Penalties for Violations: Schools imposing unjustified fees or indulging in unethical practices must face strict legal action.
Protect Whistleblowers: Parents who raise concerns must be safeguarded against retaliation, and their children should not face humiliation.
This unjust hike in fees has left parents helpless, forcing many to choose between their children’s education and basic household necessities. With a lack of government support, they are being crushed under the dual burden of financial exploitation and emotional distress.
Parents are calling for the immediate intervention of the government to regulate private schools and put an end to this unchecked profiteering. Education should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a right accessible to all. Until the government takes firm action, the exploitation of parents and families will continue, leaving the question unanswered: Who will hold private schools accountable?
ANN News Stands With Parents
ANN News is committed to amplifying the voices of the people. We urge the concerned authorities to step in and take responsibility for safeguarding the rights of students and parents alike. If you have a similar story or face challenges with unjust fees, share your experience with us, editorann7@gmail.com
