Government helps students recover Rs 1 crore in refunds from coaching centres

Nidhi Khare, Consumer Affairs Secretary, emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring coaching institutions honour the rights of students. "This action reaffirms our dedication to fair practices in the education sector," Khare stated.

In Short

• NCH facilitated Rs 1 crore refund in enrolment fees
• 16,276 student grievances resolved in 2023-2024
• Common complaints: unfulfilled promises, low teaching quality

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has facilitated the refund of Rs 1 crore in enrolment fees to students and aspirants across India, primarily those preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC Civil Services and IIT entrance tests. This initiative was led by the Consumer Affairs Ministry following numerous complaints from students regarding unfair practices by coaching centres.

Nidhi Khare, Consumer Affairs Secretary, emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring coaching institutions honour the rights of students. "This action reaffirms our dedication to fair practices in the education sector," Khare stated.

NCH, operating on a mission mode, resolved a total of 16,276 student grievances in 2023-2024, a significant increase from previous years. Common complaints included unfulfilled promises, low teaching quality, and abrupt course cancellations. Students have been encouraged to report their issues through NCH’s toll-free number 1915 or the consumerhelpline.gov.in portal.

The Consumer Protection regulator CCPA has also taken measures to penalise coaching centres for misleading advertisements and unfair practices, pushing the industry towards greater transparency and accountability.

(With inputs from PTI)