Google Couple’s School Fees of ₹11.2 Lakh Ignite Online Debate

A Reddit post has captured significant attention after revealing that a couple employed at Google spends an astonishing ₹11.2 lakh annually on their child’s school fees. The post, shared on July 24, 2023, was authored by a young professional who claims to have accessed the couple’s financial details while reviewing a client file at a wealth management firm.

The individual noted that the couple, earning a combined income of approximately ₹60 lakh per year, allocates a substantial portion of their finances to education. “When I was going through their yearly cash flow, I was stunned to see ₹11.2 lakh listed just for their single child’s school fees,” the Reddit user stated in the post.

This revelation has sparked discussions regarding the rising costs of education, privilege, and the impact of socioeconomic status on choices in urban India. Many users have chimed in, sharing their perspectives on the implications of such high expenditures. One commenter highlighted that spending at elite institutions is often tied to social networking opportunities, suggesting that parents are buying access to a certain lifestyle for their children.

“Money operates like an old boys’ club… What you’re really buying is the opportunity for your kids to be around the affluent,” the user wrote. Others expressed concern over the exclusivity that high fees create, with one individual remarking, “High fees are a feature, not a bug. These schools are meant to keep the 0.1 per cent in and everyone else out.”

While some defended the idea of elite education, others were more critical. One Redditor mentioned, “Even if I could afford the most expensive schools, I’d still prefer to send my child to a good school, not necessarily a fancy one.” An additional user stated, “I want my kid to stay grounded, connected to reality, and grow up with empathy.”

In a related discussion, a LinkedIn post by Ankur Jhaveri, based in Mumbai, had gone viral earlier in June. Jhaveri estimated that raising a child in a metropolitan area costs around ₹13 lakh per year, which includes school fees, tuition, and other expenses. He suggested that parents would need a gross annual salary of approximately ₹55 lakh to maintain such a lifestyle.

The Reddit post garnered over 1,200 upvotes and has become a focal point for conversations about education costs in India. Many users are now questioning the sustainability of such high expenditures and what they signify about societal values and priorities.

As discussions continue, the stark contrast between the experiences of families investing heavily in elite education and those facing financial constraints is leading to broader conversations about access, equity, and the future of education in urban settings.