Khammam, June (Puvvada Nagendra Kumar Punnami District Reporter) With the start of the new academic year, parents of students are facing many problems. On the one hand, while government schools and colleges are continuing with meager facilities, on the other hand, private educational institutions are being criticized for imposing a heavy financial burden on parents in the name of huge fees, books, uniforms and other educational materials. It is a matter of concern that problems such as adequate classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, digital educational resources and shortage of teachers in government schools have not yet been fully resolved. Educationists are of the opinion that quality education will be available to poor and middle-class families only if the government education system is strengthened. At the same time, allegations are being made by parents that private schools and colleges are charging fees arbitrarily. Many are expressing their concerns that thousands of rupees are being charged additionally in the name of admission fees, tuition fees, books, notebooks, uniforms and special materials. Some parents are said to be facing situations like taking loans and selling assets for their children’s education. Questions are also being raised as to whether the district education department officials are properly monitoring the fee control of private educational institutions. Despite complaints about the increase in fees, the authorities are not responding and there is negligence in implementing the rules, parents allege. Many social scientists state that education is the right of every child and it should not become a business. They suggest that there is a need to increase public confidence in government schools by providing better infrastructure in government educational institutions, filling teacher vacancies, and providing modern educational facilities. Similarly, parents are asking the government to control fees in private educational institutions, monitor the prices of books and other educational materials, and take strict action against managements that violate the rules. They are appealing to the government to take immediate action keeping in mind the future of students and the financial condition of parents as the new academic year begins.
