China's Private Tuition Ban: A Backfire Unveiled

China's ban on private tuition aimed to reduce child-rearing costs but has backfired. It pushed the tutoring industry underground, leading to higher costs, and compromised education quality. Parents lament the struggle to find quality tutors amid increased demand and fear of legal repercussions.

China's effort to ease parental burdens by banning private tuition has misfired, according to a report by the Straits Times. The ban, designed to lower child-rearing costs, has driven the tutoring sector underground, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. Increased demand for private tutors has left parents, children and teachers camouflaging their activities to avoid severe penalties.

The heightened expense due to a lack of tutoring options is a significant concern. Finance Executive Zoe Pan, now pays an additional 150 yuan (USD 22) for each hour of tuition for her son. 'Before the ban, we relied on big tutoring brands. Now, we depend solely on word-of-mouth to find tutors,' Pan said.

Parents in China, yearning for one-on-one tutoring amidst the ban imposed in July 2021 by Beijing, face dwindling teacher availability. Spotless educational qualifications are essential in China's competitive job market, adding pressure on parents and students. Reports indicate tuition classes being held covertly in shady locations to evade authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)