Rise in school fees at Hyderabad LKG from Rs 2.3 lakh to Rs 3.7 lakh triggers debate on education inflation

The sharp increase in primary kindergarten (LKG) school fees in Hyderabad has received a lot of attention recently, thanks to a post that went viral on 'X' (formerly Twitter). The fee hike from Rs 230,000 to Rs 370,000 has raised concerns among parents and educators alike. The issue has sparked discussions on social media, with many people expressing dissatisfaction and concern over the increasing unaffordability of school and higher education.

Bengaluru-based investor Aviral Bhatnagar noticed this disturbing trend at 'X' and wrote, “LKG fees have increased from 2.3 Ltr to 3.7 Ltr in Hyderabad, which is in line with the nationwide trend. While we focus on property prices, the real inflation has been in education. Adjusted for inflation, school fees have increased nine times and college fees have increased 20 times in the last 30 years. Education is no longer affordable.”

This post, which has touched many, highlights a larger issue that affects not just Hyderabad but the entire nation. Over the last few decades, the cost of education has increased dramatically, far outpacing inflation in other industries like real estate. The user's observation that school fees have increased nine times and tuition fees twenty times in the last 30 years paints a grim picture of the increasing financial burden on families.

“Unfortunately, inflation is highest in the areas of education and health, which are basic human needs. One could argue that there is a shortage of skilled workers and the demand for them is high, but ironically most of these skilled workers are either unemployed or underpaid,” wrote one user.

“Same here in Gurgaon. Some schools even charge over Rs 500,000 per year for kindergarten,” wrote another user.

More and more parents are concerned about how they can provide their children with a quality education, even though many of them claim that the exorbitant fees, especially for kindergarten, are unreasonable.

As the debate continues online, it is becoming clear that the issue of rising school fees is urgent and must be addressed. As education is a fundamental right, there are increasing calls for government action to ensure that quality education remains available and affordable for all, regardless of financial situation.