Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, April 4: During the months of March and April, middle-class families often find themselves grappling with financial strain, particularly due to the expenses associated with enrolling children in private schools. Purchasing new books, uniforms, and notebooks, coupled with the requirement to pay fees for several months in advance, can significantly burden parents. To alleviate this financial pressure, many parents and children turn to old bookstores in Sakchi, where a throng of people can be seen from as early as 9 in the morning.
Despite the scorching heat, families diligently scour the shelves of these stores in search of course books for the new academic session that begins in April. The start of the new session only exacerbates the financial strain on parents, with the prices of school uniforms and stationery witnessing a hike of 20 to 30 percent. The cumulative impact of enrollment fees, dress expenses, and book purchases significantly impacts the monthly budget of families during this period.
Given the financial constraints, many parents opt for old books as a cost-saving measure. Sakchi, with its 35 shops offering a wide range of old books, becomes a hub for students and parents from across the Kolhan region. Here, books are available at nearly half the price, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious families. The bustling crowds at these stores are expected to persist until June, catering to the demand for affordable educational resources amidst rising expenses.
