Education Should Be Accessible to All — Not a Profit Business

Education Should Be Accessible to All — Not a Profit Business

Education Should Be Accessible to All — Not a Profit Business

Education is not a commodity to be sold but a fundamental right that shapes the future of a nation. It must be accessible, affordable, and equitable for every child, regardless of their economic background. Unfortunately, the growing commercialization of education in India and many parts of the world has created deep inequalities, transforming schools and colleges into profit-driven enterprises rather than centers of learning.

Education: A Right, Not a Luxury

The true purpose of education is to enlighten minds, nurture creativity, and build responsible citizens. When institutions treat education as a business, this noble purpose is compromised. High tuition fees, hidden charges, and mandatory “donations” have made quality education a privilege rather than a right. This practice widens the gap between the rich and the poor, leaving talented students from humble backgrounds behind.

Every child deserves access to quality education that builds their potential — not limited by how much their parents can afford. Education should empower, not exploit.

Regulation of Fees — A Moral and Legal Necessity

Government regulation of school and college fees is essential to restore fairness and balance in the education system. Without oversight, private institutions often charge exorbitant fees under the pretext of “infrastructure” or “international standards.”

To ensure accessibility, state and central governments should establish transparent fee-regulation committees, monitor annual hikes, and ensure that any increase in fees is justified by genuine improvements in quality.

Such regulation would protect parents from financial strain and ensure that education remains a public service, not a luxury product.

Reducing the Burden on Parents

Parents are the backbone of a child’s education journey. Many families sacrifice their savings or take loans to provide their children with good schooling or higher education. The system should support them, not overburden them.

Policies like fee caps, scholarship programs, subsidized loans, and free textbooks can significantly reduce their financial pressure. Encouraging public-private partnerships in education — with social accountability — can also improve quality while maintaining affordability.

Fair Pay for Teachers: The Heart of Education

While institutions often charge high fees, many teachers in private schools and universities are underpaid and overworked. This contradiction highlights a deeper flaw — the profit from education often does not reach those who make learning possible.

A teacher’s role is central to a student’s growth and success. Therefore, ensuring fair salaries, job security, and professional respect for educators must be a national priority. Well-compensated teachers bring better motivation, creativity, and commitment, directly improving student outcomes.

As the saying goes, “No school can rise above the quality of its teachers.”

Education as a Social Responsibility

The vision of “Education for All” cannot be achieved unless we view education as a social responsibility, not a commercial enterprise. Governments, institutions, and society must work together to uphold the principles of equity and inclusivity.

Public funding for schools, regulation of private institutions, support for rural education, and continuous teacher development are critical steps toward this goal.

Conclusion

Education must remain a noble mission, not a marketplace. The dream of a developed and enlightened India rests on the shoulders of its educated youth — and that dream can only be fulfilled when every child has equal access to quality education, teachers are respected and fairly paid, and learning is valued over profit.

Let us remember: When education becomes a business, humanity pays the price. When education becomes a right, society thrives.

https://getstartias.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/education-should-be-accessible-to-all-not-a-profit-business/