₹ 1.5 lakh ‘donation’ for admitting a two-year-old to a pre-school? Ahmedabad businessman’s post sparks debate | Today’s news

A post by an Ahmedabad businessman about the alleged ₹1.5 lakh donation, which is being asked for his two-year-old daughter’s admission to a pre-school, has sparked a debate on social media about the rising cost of early education in India.

Pritesh Lakhani shared his experience on X in finding a preschool for his daughter who recently turned two. According to Lakhani, a parent at one of the schools he was considering told him that paying a ₹A donation of 1.5 million was required to secure entry.

“1.5 million contribution to get entry for 2-year-old,” Lakhani wrote on X.

The businessman said his family was looking for a kindergarten where their daughter could continue her education without having to change schools later.

Parent donation may be mandatory

Lakhani said the parent he spoke to claimed the donation was a mandatory part of the admissions process. He argued that otherwise the school could assess both the child and the parents and could reject the application or demand a higher amount.

He also claimed that the gift for the first year of kindergarten was ₹1.25 million.

“Preschool entertainment shouldn’t be so expensive,” added Lakhani.

Social media users discuss the cost of preschool

Lakhani’s post led to a discussion on X where users shared their views on entry fees, assessments for young children and alternatives to conventional education.

Some users suggested homeschooling as an option, while others questioned the need for expensive preschool.

“Donation is now compulsory in all aspects of education in India. That’s why people have opted for home education. But it takes a lot of time from parents,” wrote one user.

Another user questioned the idea of ​​assessing a two-year-old for admission to preschool. “How can they test a two-year-old for preschool? It’s clear you picked the wrong school. Like you should see a red flag and walk away.”

Users suggest home education, hands-on learning

Some users also argued that parents should consider schools that put more emphasis on practical skills than reputation or conventional academic approaches.

“These so called famous schools and preschools are actually preparing your kids for a future that won’t exist after 2035. Better to find a school that focuses on preparing your kids for real life skills. Like you said, preschool should be fun. Try homeschooling,” the user wrote.

Another X user asked if preschool was necessary in itself and said: “Preschool as a concept is not necessary and only exists to make more money; proper play/cooperation with other children should be done by every child at this age.”

“homeschool. Something like education is too important to be outsourced to unqualified incompetent morons at exorbitant prices,” wrote one user.

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)