Chandigarh: Former Mahila Congress President writes to UT Administrator on rising textbook prices

Former Mahila Congress President Deepa Dubey has written a letter to Chandigarh’s UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, raising serious concerns about the rising prices of school textbooks and notebooks. In her letter, she appealed to the administrator to take action and fix the prices of books so that parents do not have to face such financial pressure every new academic year.

Dubey’s main concern is that the cost of textbooks and notebooks has become too high, and it is becoming very difficult for parents—especially from poor and middle-class families—to afford them. She said that with everything already so expensive, the rising cost of education is adding extra burden on the common people.

In her letter, Dubey wrote, “Administrator sir, you tell us whether the citizens of Chandigarh should buy expensive books and copies for their children or pay the fees of private and government schools.” She pointed out that this choice is not fair and puts families in a very difficult position.

She also reminded the administrator that people are already paying a lot of taxes to the Centre, the Chandigarh administration, and the municipal corporation. Despite all this, parents now have to worry about how they will manage the cost of their children's education. She asked how a common man can give quality education to his child when books and school fees are becoming unaffordable.

Call to control school fees too

Apart from book prices, Dubey also raised the issue of high school fees. She said that school fees—whether in private schools or even government institutions—are also becoming too high for many people. She requested that the administration look into this matter seriously and take strong steps to control school fees as well.

She said that education is a basic right and should not be treated like a luxury. Every child should have the opportunity to study in good schools and get access to learning materials without putting their parents under financial stress.

Dubey argued that it is the responsibility of the government and administration to ensure that education remains affordable for all sections of society. She appealed to the UT administrator to make policies that would help poor and middle-income families give good education to their children.

She explained that when education becomes expensive, the gap between the rich and poor grows even more. Children from weaker economic backgrounds are forced to drop out or study in poor conditions. She said this is unfair and goes against the idea of equal opportunities for all.

Dubey suggested that the Chandigarh administration take the following steps:

1. Fix the prices of textbooks and notebooks, especially those sold in private schools.

2. Monitor schools that force parents to buy books from specific vendors at high rates.

3. Control school fees and make sure they remain affordable for all income groups.

4. Offer support to low-income families through subsidies, scholarships, or free textbooks.

5. Create a system where books can be reused, or second-hand book banks can be set up.

She said that parents are already under pressure due to inflation and taxes. Now they also have to worry about how they will manage their children’s educational expenses. She said this pressure should not fall on parents alone, and it is time for the administration to step in.

Dubey also pointed out that this is not just a Chandigarh issue. Many parts of the country are facing the same situation. She said the Chandigarh administration could set an example for other states by taking strict and timely action. If steps are taken now, it can bring relief to thousands of parents who are struggling to educate their children.

She said, “Every year, when the school session starts, parents are forced to spend huge amounts of money on books, notebooks, uniforms, and school fees. This has become a seasonal headache for them. But education should not feel like a burden—it should feel like a right.”

She also appealed to schools to be more understanding. Dubey asked school managements to stop tying up with private vendors and selling books at very high prices. She said that schools should allow parents to buy books from anywhere, and also encourage book reuse.

She added that if schools and administration work together, the cost of education can be brought down. This will help all children, especially those from poor families, continue their studies without difficulty.

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Need for immediate government action

In her letter, Dubey also asked the UT administrator to form a committee to study the situation. She said the committee should include representatives from schools, parents, education experts, and government officials. The goal should be to come up with a plan to make education more affordable.

She also requested the administrator to meet with parent groups and listen to their problems. She said many parents want to speak up, but they feel no one is listening. A special helpline or public forum can help collect their feedback.

Dubey ended her letter by saying that education is the foundation of a strong society, and it must not be made unaffordable. She said that children are the future of India, and it is our duty to give them the best opportunities without placing unnecessary pressure on families.

As of now, there has been no official response from the UT administrator or the education department. However, parents across Chandigarh have welcomed Dubey’s initiative. Many are hoping that the administration will take quick action to address their concerns.

Parents have also shared on social media that the prices of schoolbooks have gone up sharply this year. Some schools are reportedly forcing parents to buy entire book sets from selected shops at fixed, higher prices, without giving them the option to shop elsewhere.

Experts say that unless strict rules are put in place, this trend will continue. They agree with Dubey that fixing prices and controlling school fees can make a big difference in helping families manage their education expenses.

They also support the idea of setting up second-hand book banks where students can donate and borrow books for the next academic year. This will help promote the idea of reusing resources and make education more eco-friendly too.

With board exams and new school sessions starting soon, parents are already rushing to buy books and other materials. Many are hoping the administration will make decisions quickly and bring some relief before the academic year goes into full swing.

Former Mahila Congress president Deepa Dubey has raised an important concern about the high prices of schoolbooks and rising school fees in Chandigarh. In her letter to the UT administrator, she has asked for immediate action to fix prices, regulate school fees, and support poor families.

She believes that education must be made affordable for all children, and the government should not allow schools or vendors to take advantage of parents. Her appeal has struck a chord with many parents, and there is hope that the administration will respond soon with positive steps.