Back to school preps marred by inflation

Govt’s imposition of 18% GST on uniforms led to significant decrease in sales, says shopkeeper

KARACHI:

As the summer holidays came to an end, parents have braced themselves for the financial burden of sending their children back to school.

The purchase of textbooks and uniforms has surged, leading to a rush in the markets. However, the current situation of rising inflation has left both parents and shopkeepers worried about the increasing costs of school essentials.

A recent survey conducted by The Express Tribune in Bahadurabad revealed the scene of children and parents flocking to bookstores, stationery shops, and uniform outlets on the eve of the school's reopening.

While the students displayed enthusiasm in choosing their bags, shoes, and other school essentials, their parents were taken aback by the steep prices of stationery and academic books.

Many parents expressed their concerns about the mounting expenses, stating that they are now unable to afford the stationary items of their children's choice.

They said that the increase in school fee has already caused distress and now the surge in prices for stationery, bags, and uniforms has added further strain.

They also appealed to the government to provide relief to the public, especially in areas crucial to education.

On the other hand, shopkeepers echoed the similar anxiety, attributing the current price hikes to the impact of last year's price increases.

They highlighted that the government's imposition of an 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on uniforms has led to a significant decrease in sales, with parents now opting to buy just one uniform.

Additionally, the prices of uniforms have escalated by a staggering 40 per cent, adding to the shopkeepers' worries.

On a positive note, students were excitedly looking forward to the new academic year, eager to return to school after the two-month summer vacation.

The kids expressed their happiness while shopping for new books, stationery, bags, and uniforms.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2023.