A Reddit user’s post about a couple working at Google spending Rs 12 lakh annually on their child’s school fees has sparked debate online. The couple, who earn over Rs 60 lakh per annum jointly, managed to shock the user who shared their story in the now-viral post.
The post, titled “Speechless after seeing 11,20,000 as school fees for a kid,” made the internet think about the soaring cost of basic education.
“I work in a small wealth management firm in a junior role. I randomly came across a financial plan draft of a young couple who are working at Google and make around 60 LPA combined,” the user said as they questioned how such a copious amount could be justified for a child’s education.
They further expressed their concern about the rapidly increasing exploitation of schooling and the immense financial pressure it has on families trying to provide the best education to their children.
“When I was going through their cash flow for a year, I was speechless to see their single kid’s school fees of around 12 lakh per year. I mean, this is the first time I’ve come across these kinds of numbers for school fees. I had heard 2-4 lakh but never more than 5,6 lakh,” they added.
The Reddit user shared how they were still grappling with the idea of spending Rs 20 lakhs on an MBA course as they attempted to showcase the striking difference between basic and higher education.
“And here I’m thinking a million times to decide to spend 20-30 lakh on a good MBA or not,” they added.
Take a look at the post here:
Reddit users, of course, had a lot to say. “What many people don’t realise is that money operates like an old boys’ club. Now, I’m not part of that inner circle. But what you’re really buying – whether it’s a school, a neighbourhood, or a summer camp – is the opportunity for your kids to be around the affluent, to absorb their mindset, and to make choices as if they already belong. That kind of exposure rewires how they see the world and what they believe is possible,” a user said.
Another user added, “If the parents are BOTH working for Google and only making 60 LPA, they’re on the lower end of the spectrum. So they’re falling into your edit category pretty much. Unless they come from money already.”
“Such parents have already made up their mind that their children will not undergo the rat race they faced. The goal is to ensure their child gets admitted to prestigious universities in Western countries. Even I (and many Indians too) would if I could afford this,” said a user.
As the internet seems divided over the subject of the rising cost of quality education, this particular reminded us of the basic right that might have become a luxury for some.
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