Jamshedpur Schools Hike Fees, Book and Uniform Prices by 20%

Jamshedpur: Ahead of the new academic session starting this April, parents in Jamshedpur face a severe financial crunch. Private schools have hiked the prices of books, stationery, and uniforms by up to 20%. Additionally, many institutions have increased monthly tuition fees by 10% to 15%, while forcing parents to deposit three months’ fees upfront during admission.

Desperate Search for Old Books in Sakchi

To escape the high costs of new editions, hundreds of parents are flocking to the second-hand book stalls in Sakchi. Despite the scorching heat, families from across the Kolhan region are scouring nearly 35 shops for affordable textbooks.

However, publishers often make minor changes to chapters or page sequences—frequently called “new editions”—which effectively bans the use of older books in classrooms. This tactic leaves many parents with no choice but to buy expensive new stock.

Schools Bypass Official Bans

The Education Department has prohibited the sale of books within school premises for the 2026-27 session. However, school managements have found a legal loophole:

• Tie-ups with Vendors: Instead of selling on-campus, schools now issue a “Book List” that points to a single, authorized vendor.

• Lack of Choice: This monopoly prevents parents from comparing prices in the open market, forcing them to pay premium rates.

Skyrocketing Uniform Costs

It isn’t just stationery—school uniforms have seen a 15% to 20% price surge due to rising fabric and tailoring costs. For middle-class families with two or more school-going children, the start of the new session has become a major financial hurdle, upsetting their regular household budgets.