Education is a fundamental right but a disturbing trend -- skyrocketing fees in educational institutions from schools, colleges to universities – has emerged.
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Education, by its very nature, should be inclusive and accessible to all. Education is recognized as a fundamental right of every individual, as enshrined in the Constitution of India. However as observed, in recent years, unfortunately, a disturbing trend has emerged- the skyrocketing fees in educational institutions from schools, colleges to universities, which is a matter of grave concern.
What was once considered as a noble pursuit and a basic necessity has gradually become a heavy financial burden for families. From primary schools to higher education, the cost of learning has been rising at an alarming rate. Institutions, citing factors such as inflation, higher faculty salaries, advanced infrastructure, and technological upgrades, have been steadily increasing fees. While some of these reasons are valid, these justifications often fail to consider the affordability and economic reality faced by many families.
As observed, many/several educational institutions are increasingly operating like business enterprises that seem to prioritise profit over the noble mission of imparting knowledge. Instead of focusing on affordable and quality learning, some introduce additional development charges, miscellaneous fees, and other hidden costs. This commercialisation of education goes against its moral purpose and weakens the integrity of the entire system. As a result, quality education is gradually becoming a privilege of the wealthy. Poor and middle-class families find it difficult to send their children to good schools or colleges/universities because of exorbitant fees. This growing divide between the privileged and the underprivileged, is creating an unequal society, where opportunities are determined not by talent or merit, but by financial capacity.
The impact of such skyrocketing fees is far-reaching and deeply concerning:
• Limited Access to Quality Education: The ever-rising cost restricts access to quality education for economically weaker and middle class sections. Talented students from these backgrounds are often forced to give up their dreams due to lack of financial resources, widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
• Social Inequality: Only affluent families can afford quality education, which limits social mobility and opportunities for the underprivileged.
• Debt Burden: Many parents are compelled to take loans or exhaust their savings to fund their children’s education, affecting their financial stability and creating long-term financial strain.
As a result, education, which should be a ladder for social advancement, is becoming a barrier for many.
The growing commercialisation of education undermines the very purpose of learning- to empower and uplift individuals and communities. It threatens to turn education into a privilege rather than a right. If education becomes a privilege of the wealthy only, the dream of an equitable and inclusive society will remain distant.
Addressing the problem of rising educational costs requires collective action and a balanced approach. Some possible/potential solutions include:
1. Government Intervention: The government must play a proactive role by providing increased funding, subsidies, expand scholarship programmes to help reduce the burden on parents and students.
2. Institutional Reforms: Educational institutions should adopt efficient management and cost-cutting measures to optimise resources and focus on affordable quality education.
3. Regulatory Measures: Authorities should regulate and monitor fee structures to prevent institutions from charging unreasonable amounts to ensure accountability.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration among government, private sector, and educational organizations can lead to innovative solutions and more affordable learning opportunities.
5. Encouraging Transparency: Institutions should be transparent about how fees are utilized, ensuring that the focus remains on educational improvement, not profit.
6. Community and Social Support: Society must advocate for fairness in education. Local organizations, NGOs/CSOs, and communities can play a pivotal role in supporting underprivileged students through sponsorships or financial aid.
The rising cost of education is not just an economic concern- it is a social issue that threatens the principles of equality and justice as well as affects the nation’s growth and equality. If the rising cost of education is left unchecked, it will create a future where only the wealthy can afford to learn, while the poor remain trapped in a cycle of disadvantage, undermining the very essence of inclusive growth and development. The consequences of such trends are not limited to individual families; they affect society as a whole. When education becomes unaffordable, fewer students able to pursue higher studies, leading to a less skilled and less informed workforce. This can have long-term repercussions on the society’s social and economic development. A society that restricts quality education only to the wealthy undermines democratic values and social justice, deprives of potential innovators, leaders, and change-makers who could contribute to its progress. Therefore, it is essential for policymakers, educators, and society to work together toward a more affordable, equitable, and sustainable education system that truly benefits all.
Education should never be a privilege for the few, rather it must remain a right, opportunity and instrument of empowerment for all. Education must remain a right and an opportunity for all, not a privilege for the few. It is the shared responsibility of governments, institutions, and society to ensure that quality education is accessible and affordable to every child and person, regardless of economic background.
I don’t undermine the efforts of the government or all of its institutions, nor of all private institutions. Many institutions (both government and private) are doing commendable and samaritan jobs for the betterment and uplift of the society. However, due to the practices of some institutions, the issue of skyrocketing fees in educational institutions is highlighted. Our society comprises different classes-some influential and some not, and therefore, it is essential to ensure that education remains accessible to all.
Zeluosielie Kehie,
Sovima village,
Chümoukedima.