MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The new academic year has started now in Azad Kashmir, which has created financial difficulties for parents because of increased costs that accompany textbook price hikes.
Parents have serious concerns about the price increases, which they consider to be “unprecedented” according to their statements. Private schools direct families to buy books from designated book depots, which results in families having to pay excessive prices, according to their statements.
Sources report that a complete set of books for playgroup students is being sold for as much as Rs 12,000, which creates an extensive financial burden for households in the middle and lower income brackets.
The citizens express their dissatisfaction because the government has not yet executed its “One Notebook Policy,” which remains unfulfilled. The absence of enforcement has resulted in educational costs becoming more expensive instead of achieving cost reductions, which were intended.
Parents have requested that authorities immediately address the current situation by establishing price controls on textbooks and preventing private institutions from compelling students to buy their materials from specific vendors.
The parents make their point that educational quality will become more difficult to access for most families unless authorities take action.
