‘Cap it off’: Fee proposal divides parents, schools

Hyderabad: The Telangana Education Commission's proposal to cap school fees at 3.5 lakh per annum has ignited a debate between parents and private schools. While some schools charging as much as 20 lakh annually have raised concerns, parents burdened by rising education costs are welcoming the move as a much-needed relief.For many parents, exorbitant school fees have led to financial strain. "We make significant sacrifices to pay our child's fees," said Madhavi Rao, a mother of two, who spends nearly 15 lakh annually. "If this cap is implemented, it would be a huge relief. Right now, we've given up on buying a house and have cut back on essentials." Similarly, Ravi Teja, another parent, praised the proposal. "A school fee cap like this is long overdue. It would allow us to plan for our child's future without the yearly stress," he said. Parents have also criticised additional costs for transportation, books, and meals. "Even after paying high fees, we are charged extra for every small thing," said Sharada Nair, a software engineer. Many parents hope the cap will regulate these hidden costs, making education affordable.However, private schools argue that the fee cap could impact the quality of education. "Our fees reflect the world-class facilities and services we offer," said a principal of an ICSE school in Shamshabad, which charges around 7 lakh. Schools also defended extra charges like transportation and meals, insisting they are optional. "Parents can arrange their own transportation or provide meals if they prefer," said a principal from an international school in Kompally.Schools fear the fee cap will limit their ability to invest in infrastructure and staff salaries. "The 3.5 lakh cap will force us to cut corners, ultimately affecting the quality of education," said a school director from Gachibowli, where the average fee is 12 lakh.While schools await the final decision, parents hope the govt will uphold the cap, viewing it as essential for accessible, affordable education.