A viral photo detailing a shocking fee structure for nursery and Junior KG admission has sparked widespread outrage on social media, particularly over an ₹8,400 charge for a “one-time” parents’ orientation session. The image was shared by ENT surgeon Jagdish Chaturvedi on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed disbelief over the excessive fee. He pointed out that parents willing to pay such high amounts for school expenses would be hesitant to spend even a fraction of it on medical consultations. “8400 INR parent orientation fee!!! No parent will ever agree to pay even 20% of this for a doctor’s consultation… I am planning to open a school now,” he sarcastically remarked in his post.
Public Reaction: Frustration and Criticism of the Education System
The revelation drew sharp criticism from users who claimed that education has increasingly become a profit-driven business. One user vented, “We need a revolution in the education system. Can startups develop affordable education with a quality syllabus?” Others echoed similar sentiments. Another comment lamented, “People are ready to pay, so they are being looted. If there were no takers, the fee would be reduced.”
Social media users highlighted the trend of parents prioritizing their children’s education over personal expenses. “People spend on their children what they would never spend on themselves, which is why expensive schools and coaching centers are thriving,” said a post.
Viral Photo Resurfaces Months After First Circulation
The controversial fee structure initially circulated in December 2023, accompanied by sarcastic remarks from an individual who questioned the high costs of private schooling. One user wrote, “Now I understand why my father sent me to a government school,” while sharing a breakdown of the fees for the 2024-25 academic year.
The photo has now resurfaced, reigniting debates about the commercialization of education. The detailed breakdown revealed hefty charges, further fueling concerns about how the growing financial burden is placed on parents seeking quality education for their children.
Call for Change
The controversy reflects broader dissatisfaction with the state of education in India, as more people call for reforms to ensure affordable, quality schooling. Many believe the current education system needs alternatives to private schools that often impose heavy financial demands on parents.
The fee breakdown not only highlights the rising costs but also sheds light on the extent to which parents are willing to go for their children’s future—often at the expense of personal needs. However, as debates around the viral post continue, the demand for more equitable education solutions grows louder. (Rehash/Ankur Deka)