The call from student unions for lower tuition fees has reopened one of the most important debates in our society—how much should education cost, and who should bear that cost? Across universities and colleges, students are speaking with one voice, saying that rising fees have reached an “unsustainable” level. Their demand is not just about saving money. It is about fairness, opportunity, and the promise of education as a pathway to a better life.

The Growing Burden of Education Costs

Over the past decade, the cost of higher education has risen sharply. What once required careful planning for middle-class families has now become a financial crisis for many. Parents are sacrificing long-term savings and working extra hours, while students themselves often take on loans that leave them burdened with debt even before starting their careers.

For many, the dream of higher education now carries a heavy price tag: years of loan repayments, financial stress, and in some cases, dropping out altogether. This is why student unions call the current model “unsustainable”—because it risks pushing education beyond the reach of ordinary families.

Education: A Right, Not a Luxury

At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental question: Should education be treated as a privilege for those who can afford it, or as a right available to all?

For a society that speaks of equal opportunity, the answer should be clear. If rising tuition fees continue unchecked, education risks becoming a luxury, and talent will be wasted simply because of money. A country’s progress depends on giving its young people the tools to succeed; making education unaffordable contradicts that vision.

The Case for Reform

Student unions are not just demanding reductions for the sake of it. Their arguments come from lived reality:

• Debt Trap: Students entering the workforce with heavy debt often delay marriage, home ownership, or entrepreneurship.

• Dropout Rates: Many students from low-income families either abandon studies or never enroll in the first place.

• Economic Inequality: High fees widen the gap between rich and poor, denying bright students from modest backgrounds the chance to succeed.

Unions are also calling for more scholarships, easier access to financial aid, and government regulation to ensure private institutions do not take unfair advantage of students.

A National Responsibility

Critics argue that running universities requires funds, and higher fees are necessary for maintaining quality. But this is only half the truth. Many developed nations show that quality education and affordability can go hand in hand—if the government considers education as a true investment, not just another sector of expenditure.

When a government subsidizes education, it is not giving away money. It is building a skilled workforce, increasing innovation, and strengthening the economy. Every rupee spent on education returns many times over in productivity, entrepreneurship, and social stability.

The Way Forward

The concerns raised by student unions cannot be dismissed as mere “youth agitation.” They represent the voices of millions who see education as their gateway to a better life. Policymakers must therefore act with urgency.

1. Introduce Fee Regulations to keep tuition in check and prevent extreme hikes.

2. Expand Scholarships and Grants, especially for disadvantaged groups.

3. Promote Public Funding so universities have steady resources without passing the burden to students.

4. Encourage Skill-Based Funding Models, linking education to national growth needs.

Doing this not only eases the burden on families but also ensures that our nation invests wisely in its future.