Thu Sep 11 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided information, followed by a brief context of The Hindu:

**The Hindu: Education Cost Disparity in India Widest at Pre-Primary Level**

**New Delhi, September 11, 2025** – A recent government survey has revealed a stark disparity in education costs between private and government schools in India, particularly at the pre-primary level. Data from the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education 2025, conducted between April and June, highlights that private kindergarten education costs are significantly higher – up to 22 times more in rural areas and 16 times more in urban areas – compared to government pre-primary institutions.

The survey, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, analyzed school-related expenditures reported by students. The data shows this cost gap narrows considerably as students progress through higher levels of schooling. While private school costs remain relatively consistent across grade levels, government school costs see a nearly nine-fold increase from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. This suggests that private schools front-load a significant portion of educational expenses at the entry stage.

State-level data paints an even more dramatic picture. In urban Karnataka, the survey found private kindergarten costs an astounding 72 times more than government schools. Other states with significant cost disparities include Odisha, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

These findings raise concerns about accessibility and equity in early childhood education, with the high cost of private pre-primary education potentially creating barriers for families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The survey data is expected to fuel further discussions and policy considerations regarding the funding and regulation of early childhood education in India.

**About The Hindu:**

*The Hindu* is a respected English-language Indian daily newspaper known for its in-depth coverage of national and international news, politics, economics, culture, and current affairs. It’s considered a newspaper of record and often provides a well-researched, analytical perspective on events, including a focus on social issues and government policies.

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