Despite books and uniforms being provided free by the State government for students up to class eight, parents are still spending a lot of money for their wards to purchase the note books, school bags and other stationary items the cost of which have been hiked by 10-15 percent this year.
The note books are available in the price range of Rs10-100 whereas the price of a Register varies according to size and thickness of pages.The Register is priced between Rs25-150.For higher classes including 11 and 12, the books are now available in the market. The books are priced according to subject at different rates between Rs90-350.
School bag price has also scaled up and available in wide range depending upon quality and size. The school bags are available in range Rs50-500.Apart from book, notebooks and school bags, the other stationary items and accessories for school children too have witnessed a significant increase in the price.These items include shoes, socks, lunch box, water bottle and compass box. The guardians have to purchase these items according to their pockets and need.
A shopkeeper said that cost of books, copies, and school bags are comparatively much higher for class 11 and 12. More or less, private schools have compulsory uniform and other items due to which guardians have to spend extra.With opening of government and private schools, the book shops, bag shops and shops selling school uniform have a huge rush nowadays. People are busy purchasing the required material despite an increase of about 10-15 percent in the price.
“We have to purchase the stationary, and uniform according to school. These items are very costly but we have no options,” said a guardian.