"Back in the days when we studied at St Peter's, we five brothers, who were in different classes, used to study from the same book. For years, the Radiant Reader, Wren's Grammar, history, and geography books were not changed. Second-hand books were available on Hospital Road. We had just one uniform, khaki, and one pair of black shoes that we polished daily to keep them shiny. But now, every year brings the same lament—everything changes in the name of business." This was the anguish of Tauji Prem Nath, who studied in the 1950s. 

Local parents' organizations have raised their voices, but there’s no one to listen. Along with this comes the taunt: "Why don’t you send your kids to government schools?" For children promoted to a new class, the new academic session is usually a time of hope and progress. But in India, it has become a calculated season of exploitation for parents. Agra is a glaring example of this organized extortion, where private schools have mastered the art of extracting hefty sums in the name of education. This is not just a local issue but a widespread crisis across the country that demands immediate attention. 

Read in Hindi: नया शैक्षणिक सत्र शुरू होते ही प्राइवेट स्कूलों का सालाना ‘लूट उत्सव’ शुरू

Retired teacher Seema says, "In Agra and many other cities, this annual loot begins with forced purchases of books, stationery, uniforms, and shoes from designated stores at inflated prices. This unethical practice is the result of a corrupt nexus between schools and publishers. Publishers often offer schools discounts of over 50 per cent, but these benefits never reach the parents. Instead, schools turn this margin into their profit, turning education into a money-making industry."

Recent reports by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights have exposed similar exploitation in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, proving that this is a nationwide problem. 

‘Custom school kits’ and mandatory logo-printed items—bags, belts, ties, uniforms, sports shoes, and T-shirts—have further burdened parents financially. These kits include expensive and unnecessary items, imposed under the guise of uniformity and quality control. In reality, it’s just another money-making tactic, placing an extra financial strain on middle and lower-income families, revealed Guptaji. 

A survey by the All India Parents Association found that these forced expenses increase annual education costs by an average of 30 per cent, making quality education unaffordable for many families. 

Uniforms and shoes, which parents are forced to buy from specific stores, are another tool of exploitation. These stores collude with schools to sell low-quality products at high prices. Due to a lack of transparency and oversight, this extortion continues unchecked. Many parents complain that items bought from these stores are neither durable nor of good quality. 

Social activist Jagan Prasad says, "The administration’s inaction is a major obstacle in stopping this exploitation. The Agra District Magistrate and other officials have failed to take action, giving schools free rein. While the Central Board of Secondary Education and state education boards have issued guidelines against such exploitation, enforcement remains weak. The NCPCR has recommended strict monitoring and penalties, but implementation is slow." 

"This financial exploitation doesn’t just affect wallets—it instils fear and helplessness in parents. They hesitate to speak up, fearing discrimination against their children. This fear allows schools to act arbitrarily without accountability," lamented parent Chturbhuj Tiwari. 

Reports from various parent associations reveal that most parents feel helpless and are forced to submit to this institutionalized extortion. To end this nationwide racket, the government must ensure that schools cannot force parents to buy from specific vendors. Schools should provide a transparent list, allowing parents the freedom to shop independently. 

Educationist Dr Vidya Chaudhary says, "Financial transactions between schools and vendors must be made public. Regular audits should be conducted, and guilty institutions must face strict penalties." 

Some parents demand anonymous helplines and online portals for complaints. Parents' associations should be empowered to fight for their rights. According to Bihar educationist Dr Viju Kumar, "The full benefit of discounts given by publishers to schools must be passed on to parents, with clear documented proof." More importantly, a national regulatory body under the Education Ministry should be established to monitor and control private schools. 

The new academic session should symbolize hope and opportunity, not financial distress. The government, education boards, and school administrations must work together to solve this problem, says social activist Mukta Gupta. Additionally, government schools must improve their standards, and discrimination between elite and budget schools must end. Fee regulations should also be enforced. 

The current situation is a national disgrace, undermining the fundamental right to education. The time has come to dismantle this exploitative system and restore the dignity of education.