Srinagar | As the new academic session begins in Kashmir, parents across the Valley are grappling with mounting stress over what they describe as arbitrary fee hikes, vendor-linked purchases, and shifting teaching patterns in private schools. For many families, the promise of quality education is being overshadowed by financial strain and confusion.
Parents say that instead of stability after annual exams, the transition to the new session brings new costs, changing curricula, and opaque policies. “We budget a certain amount every year, but the school adds new charges or changes the pattern midway,” said a parent from Srinagar.
A key concern is the frequent curriculum changes. Some schools are moving away from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) framework to private “lead app” or hybrid modules tied to vendors. Parents allege these changes are rarely pedagogically justified, forcing them to buy new materials and adapt to unfamiliar formats. Education experts warn that such shifts disrupt learning and create mistrust between schools and families.
Another contentious issue is the withholding of results over pending dues. Parents complain that even minor or disputed charges are used to block report cards, delaying children’s academic progression. The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) has barred private schools from charging unauthorized fees, yet complaints persist.
Adding to the burden are vendor-linked textbook and stationery mandates. Several schools reportedly compel parents to buy supplies from designated shops, often at inflated prices. “The same books cost 25% less in the market, but the school insists we buy from its vendor,” said another parent.
Unannounced fee hikes further compound the problem. A 2024 parents’ survey cited that nearly 80% of private schools in Kashmir raised fees without prior consultation. Despite FFRC guidelines requiring transparency, many institutions reportedly evade oversight or fail to disclose clear fee structures.
The cumulative effect, parents say, is emotional and financial distress. Middle-income families cut household spending, take loans, or compromise on essentials to meet new demands. Some children sense the pressure, affecting their morale and focus.
While schools argue rising costs justify higher fees, parents insist on transparency. Experts urge both institutions and regulators to rebuild trust through open communication and accountability.
The FFRC has reiterated that no school may charge admission fees, force vendor-linked purchases, or tie results to payments. Parents are encouraged to document grievances and file complaints if overcharged.
As Kashmir’s private education sector expands, parents are calling for stricter enforcement and meaningful dialogue. Their collective demand is simple — make education affordable, transparent, and consistent, so that learning remains a source of hope, not hardship.
