Unable to afford private schools' fee, more families opting for government schools

Shahroz Afridi

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Parents are rushing to the government schools for admission of children, a new trend that is being witnessed right now.

Also, many parents are planning to shift children who were studying in private schools to govt schools. This is unlike past when the families in cities preferred admission in private schools. 

Income of parents was hit during the pandemic and jobs were lost, the main reason for the shift. "My son studies in eighth standard. I am trying to get admission in Govt Model School TT Nagar, as I have no option. The fee is too much for me to afford", says Pradeep Mukhraiya, an Aayush medical practitioner.

"My daughter is in standard ninth and despite orders, school didn't give any relaxation in fee during the lockdown, hence, it became difficult for me. I also faced salary cut and hence I want her to shift two a good government school", said Devendra Kumar, a resident of Kolar. "There are Govt schools that have a good standard and the fee is also much less", he adds.

Palak Mahasangh, a body that takes up issues of schoolchildren, confirms the trend. "I know many people who are looking for good government schools in their neighbourhood", said Prabodh Pandya, the general secretary. "Private schools didn't listen and forced parents to pay increased fee even in this situation", he adds.

"I want my daughter to get admission in Kamla Nehru school", says Ghanshyam Dubey, who also wants to opt from private to government school for his ward's futher education. Apart from salary cuts, loss of jobs in many sectors is the reason that families are unable to pay the high fee. [Photo is just for representational purpose]