Middle-class parents are spending sleepless nights, thanks to exorbitant prices quoted by home tutors – the fees at times outstrip school fees. With rising demand and limited supply, tuition is only getting dearer with every passing year. Working parents, peer pressure and desperation for high score are forcing citizens to pay through the nose for tuition.
How much do tutors charge?
Popular teachers of mathematics, physics and chemistry charge about Rs1 lakh per subject for class 11 and 12. The package for class 9-10 (all subjects) has touched Rs1.5 lakh. It is about 10% more for students ISC, CBSE and international board students. Commerce teachers charge between Rs50,000 and Rs60,000 per subject for class 11 and 12 and the seat must be booked six months in advance. The rates depend on locality. Tutors in Colaba, Cuff Parade, Worli and Bandra (W) are most expensive.
Why the compulsion?
Rajeev Sahastrabuddhe, working for a private company, and a parent of two school-going kids said he and his wife are having a tough time balancing home budget despite both of them being employed. "But we would do everything to give best education to our kids." He has recently taken up a part time job as well to earn extra bucks.
What is sending fees northward?
Shivani Salunkhe, a banker and parent of a ninth grader said school teachers just try to finish the curriculum. "They can't pay attention to all 40 children in the class as they have got a lot of administrative burden." Schools blame parental and peer pressure. "Parents don't have time for their own kids these days. They send even small kids for tuition," said a principal.
Suprabha Lalit, a home tutor from Mazgaon, said earlier they used to teach only government school kids. "But now everyone is rushing to us. We not only focus on subject knowledge but also work on a child's weaknesses."
Does tuition really help?
While parents pin big hopes on tuition classes, a quick analysis can be an eye-opener. Over 100 students enrolled at a Thane JEE coaching class in its 2012-14 batch. Only half a dozen cracked IIT. A parent said, "I am sure those six would have qualified even without tuition but peer pressure didn't allow them to take the challenge."
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