Srinagar, Feb 26: Private coaching centres in Srinagar have become a source of increasing concern, with many parents and students expressing frustration over soaring fees and the growing commercialisation of education.
Areas like Parray Pora and Rajbagh have witnessed a surge in these centres, transforming once-quiet neighbourhoods into bustling educational hubs.
Many parents argue that the sharp rise in coaching fees has made quality education inaccessible for middle-class families. “The fee structure is outrageous. In some centres, fees have doubled from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 within a year. It is becoming unaffordable for many,” said Abrar, a concerned parent. With formal schooling increasingly taking a backseat to coaching-driven learning, families feel compelled to bear these high costs despite financial strain.
The coaching culture in Srinagar has gained significant traction, particularly among students preparing for national-level competitive exams like NEET and JEE. Parray Pora has even earned the nickname “Kota of Kashmir” due to its high concentration of coaching centres. Thousands of students enroll each year, hoping to secure a brighter future. However, the absence of regulation allows these centres to set fees arbitrarily, raising concerns about affordability and transparency.
“These institutions attract students with scholarship offers, but ultimately, they charge whatever they want without oversight,” said Mohammad Hanief, who recently enrolled his daughter in a coaching centre.
“It is extremely difficult for families like ours to keep up with these rising costs,” added Nisar Ahmad, another parent. “We are forced to take out loans and make financial sacrifices just to ensure our children receive proper coaching.”
To address such concerns, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in January 2024 introduced the ‘Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centres 2024′ to establish a regulatory framework for coaching centres in India. These guidelines aim to protect students’ rights and ensure coaching institutions maintain basic standards.
As per the guidelines, coaching centres must register with local authorities before operating, with each branch treated as an individual entity. Regulations cover infrastructure, fees, and faculty qualifications to ensure minimum standards are maintained. Additionally, coaching centres are required to maintain transparency in their fee structures by publishing a prospectus detailing all charges. Any fee increase during a course is prohibited, and students who leave midway are entitled to refunds, including hostel and mess fees.
To curb malpractices, the guidelines impose strict penalties on violators. Offending centres face a fine of Rs 25,000 for the first violation, increasing to Rs 1 lakh for repeat offenses. Persistent non-compliance can lead to deregistration, effectively barring the institution from operating.
Despite these regulations, enforcement remains a major challenge in Srinagar. Many parents argue that while the central government has issued clear guidelines, implementation on the ground remains weak.
“We have been waiting for concrete action, but nothing seems to change,” said Aijaz Hussain, a father of two students enrolled in coaching classes. “The authorities must intervene before education becomes entirely unaffordable.”
“We are being burdened with fees that keep increasing without justification. Many coaching centres do not provide a clear breakdown of costs, making it difficult for parents to understand what they are actually paying for,” added Shabnam Jan, another concerned parent.
Khurshid Khoja, President of the Parents Association of Private Schools Kashmir (PAPSK), stressed the urgent need for stricter regulation. “No institution should operate without accountability. A dedicated regulatory committee, similar to the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) for private schools, is essential to oversee coaching centres. While laws exist, enforcement remains absent.”
He further stated, “Parents are making significant financial sacrifices for their children’s education, while coaching centres continue to prioritise profit over learning. This exploitation must end.”
Haamid Mufti, President of the Coaching Centres Association of Kashmir, acknowledged the issue, stating, “There are definitely some institutions charging unreasonable fees.” Like Khoja, he advocated for an oversight body. “A committee is needed to enforce regulations and maintain fairness in the sector. We urge the authorities to establish a body to address these concerns.”
Rising Kashmir also reached out to the Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Dr. G N Itoo, for insights on the issue. However, he was unavailable for comment.
As concerns continue to grow, parents and students are urging timely government intervention to ensure education remains accessible rather than a financial burden on families.
