Chartered accountant Meenal Goel has sparked a debate by urging parents to reconsider sending their children to private schools, arguing that escalating fees are crippling India’s middle class. Her analysis, shared via a LinkedIn post and video, exposes the financial strain imposed by private education.
The Financial Breakdown
Goel dissects the cost structure of private schooling, revealing an annual expense of ₹2.5–₹3.5 lakh per child. This includes ₹35,000 in admission charges, ₹1.4 lakh in tuition, ₹38,000 in annual fees, ₹44,000–₹73,000 for transport, and ₹20,000–₹30,000 for books and uniforms. A Hyderabad parent reportedly paid ₹6,903 for fifth-grade textbooks from a mandated vendor, with no discounts offered. Against India’s average annual income of ₹4.4 lakh, Goel labels education inflation a “silent middle-class killer,” noting that fintech firms now offer EMIs for school fees, akin to home loans.
Public vs. Private Education Challenges
Goel argues that public schools are not a viable alternative due to systemic issues, such as 8 lakh vacant teacher positions nationwide, with 5,000 single-teacher schools in Uttar Pradesh alone. A Delhi government survey found 70% of sixth graders in state schools unable to read a paragraph, highlighting quality concerns. Meanwhile, private schools charge premium fees—sometimes including costs for swimming pools, AC usage, and annual day events—yet teachers earn 40–50% less than their government counterparts, raising questions about value for money.
Social and Economic Impact
The financial burden has led to extreme cases, with students publicly humiliated for unpaid fees, including being denied food or guarded by bouncers. With India spending just 4.6% of GDP on education—below the recommended 6%—the middle class faces a dilemma: sacrifice savings or opt for an underfunded public system. Goel’s critique suggests that this cost structure entrenches inequality, pushing families into debt or forcing them to compromise on their children’s education.
Looking Ahead
The debate sparked by Goel’s analysis calls for a reevaluation of education funding and accessibility. While private schools offer perceived quality, the math reveals a stark reality for the middle class, prompting discussions on whether public education reforms or fee regulation could alleviate this pressure.
