Education Or Exploitation: Private Schools Under Fire In Susner

Susner (Madhya Pradesh): In Susner and nearby rural areas, private schools are increasingly coming under public scrutiny for turning education into a profit-making venture, burdening parents with inflated costs, unauthorized books, and forced purchases—all in violation of government norms.

Unapproved books, unofficial charges

In one instance, a private school demanded ₹6,690 from the parent of a KG-2 student for books, uniforms, and bus fees—without issuing a receipt. Shockingly, the book list included titles that were neither NCERT nor MP Board approved.

In another case, a rural school insisted parents buy a specific private book priced at ₹550 from a designated shop, even though the government-approved price was just ₹240 for the same grade.

Commission nexus alleged

Many parents allege a deep-rooted nexus between schools and private vendors. They claim they are being pressured to buy supplies only from selected shops—or worse, directly from the school—suggesting a commission-driven racket. Uniforms, stationery, and books are all being sold at inflated prices, often without proper receipts or transparency.

No checks by education department

Despite repeated complaints and clear signs of malpractice, the education department has failed to take action. No inspections have been carried out, and violators continue unchecked.

When approached, District Education Officer of Agar Malwa, MK Jatav, said, “Private schools operate under their own committees. We have not received any directive from the Madhya Pradesh government mandating the use of NCERT books. Still, I will investigate if any school is using books outside the committee’s approved list.”

Parents overwhelmed, voices rising

For middle-class families, the financial burden is becoming unbearable. Spending over ₹6,000 on supplies for a KG-2 child is not just excessive—it’s unjust. “We are forced to follow their rules or risk our child’s future,” said one parent. The discontent is growing, and calls for regulation are getting louder.

A deeper crisis

This is not an isolated issue—it reflects a systemic failure where the core objective of education has taken a back seat to commercial gain. In rural Madhya Pradesh, where families already face economic challenges, the unchecked commercialization of education is adding insult to injury.