Back-to-school shock hits parents hard

The new academic year beginning April 1 has triggered an unprecedented surge in education-related expenses, with prices of textbooks, stationery, uniforms, shoes, school bags, and transport reaching historic highs. Due to increased admission and monthly fees, a record decline in new enrolments is feared in both public and private schools this year. A downward trend in admissions is already being observed, particularly among girls, with a sharp drop in middle school enrolments. Dropout rates among girls after primary education are also rising. With only four days left before the new academic year, the usual rush for purchasing school supplies has yet to materialise. While wholesale markets are seeing activity from retailers, shopkeepers are still waiting for customers. According to a survey of Urdu Bazaar and textbook markets, prices of textbooks from Class 1 to Matric have increased by Rs100 to Rs500 across all grades. Booksellers attribute the hike to imported paper becoming significantly more expensive. Prices of notebooks, registers, and drawing copies have also increased. Practical notebooks for matric classes are now being sold for Rs1,500 to Rs2,500. Ordinary notebooks are priced at Rs150, medium-quality at Rs250, and high-quality ones at Rs500. Prices of drawing colours and markers have surged by 70 per cent. Geometry boxes now cost Rs500 to Rs1,000, while calculators for matric students are priced between Rs3,000 and Rs5,000. School uniforms range from Rs3,500 to Rs5,000, shoes from Rs2,500 to Rs4,000, and school bags from Rs2,000 to Rs7,000. Following an increase in petroleum prices, transporters have raised pick-and-drop fees by 100 per cent to 150 per cent. A service previously costing Rs3,000 now ranges between Rs6,500 and Rs7,000. Private schools have also increased fees. Admission fees for primary classes are around Rs2,500 with monthly fees of Rs1,500 in low-tier schools, while mid-range schools charge Rs4,000 to Rs5,000 admission and Rs2,500 monthly fees. Elite schools are charging between Rs8,500 and Rs10,000 as admission fees. Many schools have made it mandatory to purchase uniforms and books either from school canteens or designated shops in markets. All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association President Irfan Muzaffar Kiyani said that rising costs of books, uniforms, and stationery are beyond their control, adding that fee increases are due to inflation. He said 10 per cent of deserving students are provided free education and books. Punjab Teachers Association Central Secretary General Rana Liaqat Ali said rising costs and privatisation of public schools are contributing to increased dropout rates, particularly among girls from middle-class families.