Parents Unite Against Rising School Costs; Demand Education Reform At Jantar Mantar

Hundreds of parents gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar today to voice their growing concerns over what they describe as an ‘exploitative and draconian’ education system.

Organised under the spirit of Satyagraha, the protest sought to highlight the rising cost of private schooling and the pressing need for education reforms that prioritise children over profits.

With placards in hand and a unified voice, parents assembled from 9 AM to 1 PM to demand affordable and transparent schooling. Many claimed they have been burdened with excessive fees and hidden charges by private institutions, leaving families struggling to keep up.

Organisers of the protest emphasised that the current system disproportionately affects middle and lower-income households, further deepening educational inequality.

A Peaceful Satyagraha for Children’s Rights

Inspired by Gandhian principles of non-violence, the Satyagraha called on policymakers to acknowledge parents’ demands and enact meaningful reforms.

The protest was not only about fee structures, but also about restoring the integrity of India’s schooling system. Participants expressed dismay over the lack of regulatory oversight, unchecked fee hikes, and rising pressure on children due to curriculum overload and commercialisation.

Parents shared emotional stories of financial strain, some admitting to taking loans or cutting down on necessities just to keep up with their children’s tuition fees.

“Education is a right, not a business. We’re not asking for favours, we’re asking for fairness,” said Anjali Mehra, a mother of two who travelled from Ghaziabad to join the protest.

This demonstration marks part of a broader national conversation about the need for affordable and fair education.

Over the past few months, parents’ groups in other cities, including Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bengaluru, have raised similar concerns. While state governments have issued occasional advisories, protesters argue that enforcement remains weak and accountability minimal.

Protest leaders urged the central and state governments to introduce stronger laws regulating private school fees, increase funding for public education, and establish transparent grievance redressal mechanisms. They also demanded regular audits of private schools and better implementation of the Right to Education Act.

As the protest concluded, organisers vowed to continue the movement until authorities take definitive steps.

With increasing participation and media attention, the momentum is likely to grow. The parents have made it clear, they are not backing down until education becomes a right, not a privilege.

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