Prayagraj: Today, coaching institutes are running a business of mental and physical torture instead of imparting real knowledge to students. The truth is, if the school education system were strong, teachers were appointed based on merit, and their salaries and working conditions were satisfactory, no child would need coaching.
In fact, coaching institutes are ruining the future of students up to grade 10. A 16-year-old spends an additional three hours a day in coaching, after studying eight hours a day in school. They dream of succeeding in medicine or engineering, but the reality is different. They aren’t learning, but merely memorizing answers and gathering information. This culture of rote learning is replacing real learning.
Parents are the biggest culprits: Parents are the most responsible in this entire system. Many educated parents—doctors, engineers, and lawyers—are also pushing their children into coaching classes, turning them into “dummy students.” They want their children to attend medical or engineering coaching alongside their regular schooling. These “educated” parents seem oblivious to how unfair and cruel this dual burden is on a 16-year-old child. This mindset is deeply unfortunate.
Law and reality: CBSE has issued guidelines for children under 16 years of age not to attend coaching classes, but these are merely recommendations, not strict laws. The Rajasthan government enacted a law banning coaching classes in response to rising student suicides, yet the situation is worsening rather than improving.
Appeal to the media and society: I urge all media organizations, journalists, and newspapers to continue highlighting this serious issue. The purpose of our journalism lies in protecting the future of children from this abuse.
There is also an appeal to professionals, public relations officers and responsible people of coaching institutes, clubs and education related organizations running across the country including Prayagraj to seriously consider this issue and take steps towards improvement.
Conclusion: A child is 16 years old. They have the right to play, think, understand, and acquire real knowledge. Don’t turn them into rote-learning factories. Empower schools so strongly that coaching is no longer necessary. This will be true education reform.