A TOUR MANAGER’S VIEW ON THE RUPEE'S DECLINE :

The Human Cost of a Falling Rupee
I spent years in the inbound tour management business, where the math was simple: a strong US Dollar meant I could offer competitive quotes. For international tourists, 3 and 4-star luxury stays in India were essentially "chicken feed." However, looking back at my records, the trajectory of the Rupee tells a much darker story for the Indian citizen:

• 2012: 1us $ 1 approx ₹50
• 2016: 1us $ approx ₹61
• 2026: 1us $ approx ₹91+

While a weak Rupee might attract foreign tourists, it has been devastating for the MIDDLE AND LOWER-MIDDLE CLASS. During past election campaigns, the hope of achieving parity—where us $1 = ₹1—was a powerful promise that resonated with the masses. Instead, we have seen a steady decline in purchasing power.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO THE COMMON FAMILY:
* Education: Sending a child abroad for higher studies has transitioned from a "reachable dream" to a "financial nightmare" as tuition fees effectively double through exchange rates alone.
* Skill Development: Professional training and certifications priced in Dollars are now out of reach for many talented youths.
* Aspirations: Simple global sightseeing—once a milestone for a hardworking middle-class family—is now a luxury reserved only for the ultra-wealthy.

The "cheap" travel we sold to foreigners came at the cost of the Indian family's global mobility and their children's future opportunities.

DOUBLE SQUEEZE— — While the Rupee was falling, the actual cost of education in the US was also rising. This creates a compounding effect that hit middle-class families twice as hard.
The Financial "Double Squeeze" (2012 vs. 2026)
Factor 2012 (Actuals) 2026 (Projections)% Increase
Exchange Rate (1 USD) ₹50 ₹91 +82%
Avg. Annual Tuition (US) $22,000 $38,000 +72%
Total Cost in INR ₹11,00,000 ₹34,58,000+214%

Why it feels like a "Squeeze"
# The External Inflation: US universities have increased tuition by roughly 3-5% annually. On its own, this is manageable for a US citizen.
#. The Internal Devaluation: The Rupee has depreciated by over 80% in the same period.
#3. The Compounding Effect: Because you are paying the new higher tuition rate with a much weaker Rupee, the cost for an Indian family hasn't just doubled—it has tripled.

The Reality Check: In 2012, a middle-class parent could fund a year of US education with a well-planned personal loan or a portion of their provident fund. In 2026, that same year of education requires the equivalent of a luxury apartment in a Tier-2 city.
The Vanishing "Parity Promise"
The dream of $1 = ₹1 wasn't just a political slogan; it represented the hope of global equality. When the Rupee slides from ₹50 to ₹91, in14 years the Indian student has to work twice as hard as their global peers just to stand at the same starting line.
For the middle class, this isn't just "forex volatility"—it is the systematic closing of doors to global competition.

While the data for 2026 shows us at a difficult crossroads, my hope remains that the Indian Rupee will find its footing early, for 'parity' in the due course. -Jai Hind more