Friday, 25 September 2026 | Updated 1:34 PM IST

Families across Telangana continue to face significant challenges in securing quality education for their children amid concerns over underfunded government schools and steadily increasing fees at private institutions. The Telangana Parents Federation has highlighted these issues as a growing burden on households, particularly those with limited financial resources.

Government schools in many districts reportedly suffer from inadequate infrastructure, including shortages of classrooms, teaching materials, and qualified staff. Parents have noted that these deficiencies often compel them to seek alternatives in the private sector, where costs have risen noticeably in recent years. This shift places additional strain on middle-income and lower-income families who must balance educational expenses with other household needs.

The federation has pointed out that while some urban areas show marginal improvements in public education facilities, rural regions lag behind. Basic amenities such as clean drinking water, functional toilets, and reliable electricity remain inconsistent in several government-run schools. These conditions contribute to lower enrollment and higher dropout rates in affected areas.

Private school fees have seen consistent upward adjustments, driven by operational costs and demand for better resources. Many parents report that annual increases outpace wage growth, making it difficult to maintain consistent access to these institutions. The federation emphasizes that this trend affects not only primary education but also secondary levels, where competitive examinations add further financial pressure.

Local communities have expressed a desire for stronger government intervention to upgrade public schools. Suggestions include increased funding for teacher training, infrastructure development, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability. Such measures could help reduce reliance on private options and ease the economic load on families.

Education experts note that equitable access remains a key priority for the state. Telangana has introduced various schemes aimed at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, yet implementation gaps persist according to parent groups. Regular assessments and community feedback are seen as essential for refining these programs.

The rising costs in the private sector also reflect broader economic factors, including inflation and regulatory requirements. Schools must comply with standards for facilities and staffing, which can lead to higher fees passed on to parents. The federation advocates for greater transparency in fee structures to help families plan effectively.

In response, state authorities have indicated ongoing efforts to strengthen the public education system through targeted investments. These include initiatives for digital learning tools and partnerships with organizations focused on school improvement. Progress in these areas could gradually shift preferences back toward government institutions.

Parents continue to call for balanced policies that address both immediate affordability concerns and long-term quality enhancements. The federation plans to engage with education department officials to discuss specific recommendations based on surveys of affected households.

Overall, the situation underscores the need for sustained attention to educational equity in Telangana. By focusing on resource allocation and fee regulation where appropriate, stakeholders aim to create a more supportive environment for all students regardless of family income levels. Continued dialogue between parent organizations, schools, and government bodies is expected to play a central role in finding viable solutions.


Credit:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/poor-government-schools-rising-private-fees-burden-telangana-families-tpf/article71505062.ece
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