Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 06: A strong concern has been raised regarding the growing commercialization and alleged exploitation by private schools in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Highlighting the issue, social worker Mrs. V.D. Leju, resident of Hope Town, Bamboo Flat, has urged the administration to take immediate corrective measures to protect the interests of students and parents.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, it has been pointed out that education, which should be a noble service aimed at shaping young minds, is increasingly being reduced to a profit-driven enterprise. Many private schools are reportedly charging exorbitant tuition fees that are not proportionate to the facilities and services provided. In addition to this, parents are burdened with numerous miscellaneous charges imposed throughout the academic year, including session and admission fees.
The issue is further aggravated by the practice of compelling parents to purchase books, uniforms, and other materials exclusively from school-designated outlets at inflated prices. The high cost of prescribed curriculum books adds to the financial strain, making it extremely difficult for middle-class families to cope.
Lack of transparency has also been highlighted as a major concern. Several private schools reportedly fail to publish mandatory book lists on their official websites ahead of the academic session. This leaves parents with limited time and choice, forcing them to procure materials from specific sources, often at higher costs.
Another pressing issue raised is the instability in teaching staff. Frequent turnover and the appointment of inexperienced teachers adversely affect the quality, consistency, and continuity of education imparted to students.
Additionally, the rising cost of school transportation has become a significant burden for parents. In many cases, transport fees are collected without proper regulation or justification, raising concerns over accountability.
More alarmingly, serious safety lapses have been observed in school transport systems. Instances of overcrowded buses and failure to adhere to prescribed safety norms have been reported, putting the lives of students at risk. It has also been noted that several school buses do not comply with mandatory safety guidelines.
The representation emphasizes that this growing trend of commercialization undermines the very purpose of education and places undue financial and emotional pressure on families. It calls for urgent intervention to ensure proper regulation, transparency, and accountability in the functioning of private schools so that education remains accessible, fair, and focused on the holistic development of students rather than profit-making.
