Pune: As the new academic year approaches, parents across the region have started purchasing notebooks, textbooks, uniforms, shoes, school bags, and other essential supplies. However, the excitement of a new school term has been overshadowed by a sharp rise in the cost of educational materials, with prices increasing by 20-30% compared to last year.
Financial Burden on Parents
Parents visiting local markets expressed concern over the significant financial burden caused by the surge in school essentials. According to traders, rising prices of paper and other raw materials, coupled with increased transportation, printing, and manufacturing expenses, have pushed up the cost of educational products this year.
Comparison of Average Spending
A comparison of average spending per student shows a substantial increase. Expenses on books and notebooks, which ranged between Rs 2,500 and Rs 4,500 in 2025, are now Rs 3,000-Rs 5,500. Uniform costs have risen from Rs 1,500-Rs 3,000 to Rs 2,000-Rs 4,000, while shoes now cost between Rs 800 and Rs 2,000 compared to Rs 600-Rs 1,500 last year. The combined cost of school bags, lunch boxes, and water bottles has nearly doubled in some cases, rising from Rs 1,500-Rs 3,000 to Rs 2,500-Rs 5,000.
Parent Testimonials
“Last year, I spent around Rs 7,000 on my son’s school requirements. This year, the bill has crossed Rs 10,000 even before transportation expenses. With school fees already increasing every year, these additional costs are putting tremendous pressure on household budgets,” said parent Sunita Patil.
Another parent, Arvind Jain, noted that the rising prices have forced many families to cut spending elsewhere. “A notebook that cost Rs 60 or Rs 70 last year is now selling for nearly Rs 100. For families with two or three children, the expenses become difficult,” he said.
Reasons for Price Hike
Stationery shopowners attributed the increase to higher input costs. “Paper prices have gone up significantly over the past year. Transportation and printing charges have also increased. We are not making large profits, we are simply passing on the additional costs,” said Mahesh Agrawal, a stationery retailer in Kalyaninagar.
School bags, raincoats, and PT shoes from branded companies have become particularly expensive this season, traders said. “Customers often complain about the prices, but manufacturers have increased rates due to higher production costs and raw material shortages,” said shopkeeper Kantilal Rathi from Appa Balwant Chowk.
Additional Concerns
Parents also pointed out that rising fuel prices have led to higher school bus and autorickshaw fares. Many have urged the government to reduce GST on educational materials and take steps to control prices.
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