Pradip Saha's latest book 'The Learning Trap – How Byju’s Took Indian Edtech for a Ride' is an uncommon investigative treatise into India's education system.
https://thewire.in/books/charting-the-rise-and-fall-of-byjus-and-educational-ecosystem-in-india
Saha charts the rise of a charismatic teacher to a status where he (and his family, who held controlling roles in the company) were clearly out of their depth, especially in financial matters. By the end, there seems little doubt that there is rampant denial and fraud, alongside the financial heartbreak of so many families and young men and women. The scepticism of these families toward education technology will likely never be allayed.
Saha quotes many heart-breaking stories of how low-income families (such as even auto rickshaw drivers) were exploited – some were denied refunds, and a lack of understanding of online subscriptions caused many families to bleed money, and end up in debt traps.
18/01/2024