Latest update:08 Apr 2026 at 11:00 PM IST

Parents are raising concerns about the high cost of textbooks, with many saying they are forced to pay large amounts

‘Rs 9,000 for 2nd grade books’: Video highlights high cost of school materials; The Internet demands action

Parents across cities are talking about how much they spend on textbooks, and the numbers are alarming. A video and some photos shared online show how expensive study materials have become, with many saying they have no choice but to pay the full amount.

The video shows a man standing with a large collection of books and materials in his hands. As he speaks, he explains the situation parents face while purchasing school supplies.

“I have come to collect study materials for my children,” he says. “The Chandigarh Education Department has said that parents can buy study materials for their children from anywhere in Chandigarh, specifically, from any vendor who stocks supplies for private schools.”

“However, rampant malpractices are currently prevalent among private schools all over Chandigarh; the reality is that you can only get the specific study materials required for a particular school from a particular vendor, and nowhere else. Just look at this: I am currently transporting a load weighing at least 30 kg for my children. And this is the bill of materials for Class 2: Rs 9,000.”

Then he talks about how prices change for different families. “For some parents, the total amount is as much as Rs 10,000; for others, it is as much as Rs 12,000. Parents are distressed. Shopkeepers have fixed and printed the invoices in advance; their routine simply involves handing over course materials, collecting cash, and depositing it into their accounts.”

“No matter whether the prices are exaggerated or reasonable, you cannot object, you cannot raise your voice in protest. You are forced to pay exactly the amount printed on the bill they hand over to you, whatever number they have written. Neither the schools nor the education department are speaking on the issue. Finally, I sincerely appeal to the entire Chandigarh administration to take this issue into consideration,” he said.

Along with the video, photos are also shared by parents. A post by Piyush Rai shows a book list for the first class of a private school in Lucknow, mentioning the total amount as Rs 4,359.

As more people see these posts, many are sharing their own experiences. One user said: “This needs strict action. Public money and trust cannot be taken lightly. Accountability is important.”

Another wrote: “Why don’t you just digitize the copy and print it yourself?”

“We paid 7k for the first record books and 10k for the uniforms,” ​​one commented.

“My kindergarten book is less and the books cost more than 4k,” one user stated.

Read more