₹1.5 lakh ‘donation’ for 2-year-old’s preschool admission? Ahmedabad entrepreneur’s post sparks debate

An Ahmedabad entrepreneur's claim that a parent demanded a ₹1.5 lakh donation to secure admission for his two-year-old daughter's preschool enrollment has sparked a heated debate on social media regarding the escalating costs of early education in India. Pritesh Lakhani shared his experience on X while searching for a preschool for his daughter, who had recently turned two.

According to Lakhani, a parent at a school he was considering informed him that a ₹1.5 lakh donation was mandatory for admission. The entrepreneur expressed concern over the exorbitant expenses associated with early education, stating, "Preschool fun should not be this expensive."

The post generated a discussion on X, with users sharing their opinions on admission fees, assessments for young children, and alternatives to traditional schooling. Some suggested homeschooling as an option, while others questioned the necessity of expensive preschool education. One user raised concerns about assessing a two-year-old for preschool admission, stating, "Clearly, you've chosen the wrong school. Like you should see this red flag and move away."

Some users argued that parents should consider schools that prioritize practical skills over reputation or conventional academic approaches. They emphasized that preschool should be a fun and enjoyable experience for young children. Others questioned whether preschool itself was necessary, stating, "Preschool as a concept is not necessary and just exists to milk out more money."

The entrepreneur's post highlighted the growing concern over the rising costs of early education in India and the need for affordable and accessible options for parents. The debate underscored the importance of finding a balance between quality education and reasonable pricing, as well as the potential benefits of alternative educational approaches such as homeschooling.