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May 4, 2024

How does inflation affect education?

How does inflation affect education

Inflation is one of the root causes of price hikes in the education sector. The essential needs of students like uniforms, textbooks, tuition fees, school shoes, and transportation costs have become so expensive that it is slowly becoming impossible for a common man to afford his child’s education. 

“How does inflation affect education?” is one of the common queries of every household all over the world. Although education is considered a child’s right, in reality, it is a luxury not all can afford.

Currently, the education inflation is at 10 – 12 percent and parents are finding it impossible to meet the growing fee structure and associated educational costs.

The above-normal rate makes it difficult for parents to educate their children at primary, secondary, and especially higher levels.

How does inflation affect education?

The impact of inflation on education can be understood with the help of the following parameters-

1. Daily essentials

Students have a limited budget, most of which, is spent on daily essentials like food, personal care, drinks, travel expenses, etc.

When a major chunk of money is already spent on essentials, it becomes difficult for them to meet education expenses, which are already skyrocketing. 


education inflation is rising

The reason why education inflation is rising in India


2. Housing expenses

Do you think only daily essentials are major expenses? Think again.

Housing cost in every city is equally expensive. Students try to find the cheapest hostel or guest house where they can live as paying guests but the costs keep on adding to the total budget.

Inflation affects education as the priority of common people is to meet housing costs instead of educational expenses.

3. Health expenses

in order to live frugally and manage their expenses, many times, students do not have the money to eat three balanced meals, daily.

In the majority of cases, a hostel or PG Life does not provide good quality food and this harms their health. Thus, inflation increases health expenses and makes it difficult for students to meet their education costs easily.


factors responsible for education inflation in India

Factors responsible for Education Inflation?


4. Standard of living

Inflation is dangerous as it directly impacts the standard of living. 

The rise in the prices of goods decreases the purchasing power of the people. Something that cost 100 rupees a few months ago now costs 180 or 200 rs. This rise in price causes fewer goods and services to be purchased.

In such circumstances, the purchasing power gradually decreases, the value of goods increases, and ultimately the real value of the currency is at a loss.

Inflation thus decreases the standard of living, and parents belonging to lower and middle-income groups become unable to bear the cost of educating their children as the monthly allowance that they pay to their kids doesn’t make up for the price hikes.

5. Tuition fees

Private colleges charge inflated fees as they promise education, as well as, placement in good companies.

The tuition fees at such places are too high for an ordinary person and this is why it is believed that only rich people can afford to find entry into engineering, medicine, or another high-profile degree-course college.

But, this is not the case. Especially, if you have planned well for your child’s education in advance. The EduFund App helps you calculate the cost of your child’s education, plan, and then save for it, that too with the help of saving experts.

6. Price of textbooks 

Students need textbooks to study but their prices keep on increasing year after year. The publishers blame the paper producers, who in turn, blame the increasing input costs for the price hike.

The impact of high textbook prices is harming the education industry as there is a gradual drop in the net enrolment rate (NER). 

It is still affordable in India to some extent, especially for non-professional courses. However, if you are planning to send your child to a foreign country like the US, the books alone may charge you way over Rs 10 lakhs!


education inflation impact student loan interest rates

Does Education Inflation impact Student Loan interest rates?


7. Educational budgets

Inflation has a direct impact on education budgets and the salaries of school employees as authorities have to make cuts on various expenses.

The need for higher income encourages teachers and other support staff to look for temporary high-paying alternatives. This step ultimately harms the quality of education, more often than not in govt. schools.  

8. Inefficient education savings

In India, it is very common for parents to save for their child’s education through FDs (Fixed Deposits).

Although this is a safe option, the return rates on FDs usually cannot keep up with the rate of education.

As a result, they eventually fail to help finance your child’s education. 

9. Education loans

Children who want to pursue higher degree courses have to take educational loans. Inflation makes it difficult to repay these loans at the earliest opportunity.

Join our robust WhatsApp Community that helps parents invest!

Consider the educational loans on the EduFund App because it is available at low-interest rates and there are no hidden charges to hurt your pockets further. 

FAQs

How does inflation impact education?

Inflation’s impact on education is profound. The CPI is currently at 5.4 percent for 2023-2024, education inflation is at 10 percent.

This means that the cost of education expenses is rapidly increasing and at a faster pace than CPI in the economy.

What is the meaning of education inflation?

Education inflation in India refers to the rising cost of education, including tuition fees, related expenses, and the overall financial burden on individuals and families seeking education.

This concept is similar to the more general term “inflation,” which refers to the increase in the prices of goods and services over time.

In the context of education in India, the term “education inflation” is often used to describe the trend of rapidly increasing costs associated with obtaining quality education, from primary school to higher education.

How can we keep up with the rising education costs?

The best way to keep up with rising education costs is to start investing early on. If you are planning a family and then investing in your child;’s school and college expenses should be on the top of your list.

You can start with a SIP in a good mutual fund and update your investments every year to beat high college fees. Another option is to consider US investments like stocks and ETFs.

Conclusion

Inflation is a global phenomenon, the impact of which, can be seen at every stage in a student’s life – from primary to higher education.

The burning issue of inflation hinders the growth of children as fewer parents can afford to send their children to schools, colleges, or universities. 

By this time, you have understood how inflation affects education, but the primary concern remains – how can parents still defy inflation and save for their child’s education?

The experts associated with the EduFund App provide ample help in building a portfolio for your child’s education fund. It will consider the rising inflation and then chalk out a plan accordingly.

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It is universally acknowledged that education is a very powerful weapon. Education can transform an individual and colleges can broaden a child’s horizon. Every child deserves to receive a quality education. There are various reasons why global education is the best for Indian students. ‍From our experiences, we know that when a student receives a world-class education, it helps them become their best version – professionally and personally. Pursuing higher education outside of India seems to be promising in more ways than one. In this blog, we will talk about how studying abroad can affect your life for the better. Let's get started. 5 Reasons why Global Education is the best for Indian Students When you think about it, there are innumerable ways in which a global education can benefit an Indian student. In this article, we will talk about the 5 major ones. Let's get started. 1. Changes Your Life, for Good! International exposure to study at a foreign university and the experience of living in a new country can be life-changing! The combined power of both results in gaining practical knowledge that can help you in life immensely. Living alone in a foreign country can be daunting in the beginning, but it teaches you an immense number of values, and ethics, and not to mention, you become a pro chef! You learn what is not written in the textbooks. Such experiences also shape your personality and groom you as a responsible professional. 2. Holistic And not just Academic Development The Indian education system offers academic rigor. However, there still is room for improvement and development. The cut-offs in premier Indian colleges soar to touch the sky. But whether these colleges provide excellent holistic development is still a big question mark. Regardless of the foreign country you prefer to study in, most global universities focus on not just academics, but also professional qualifications, leadership, and personal development. Foreign programs have gained popularity because the faculty is invested in a student's all-around growth. 3. Opens closed doors Whether it is studying for a master's abroad or a Ph.D. – Foreign universities offer what you commonly don’t find in India. An array of courses across all fields and subjects like - Artificial Intelligence and Data Security or Criminology, and Media Relations. You name it and they have it. As per reports released by the USIEF, in 2019, Indians studying in the U.S. made up 17% of the international student population there. If you want to take the road less traveled or pursue a career in a highly specialized niche, global education opens closed doors. 4. Brighter Career Prospects ‍Indian students who have received good foreign education have an edge over others. You wonder why? Recruiters view international experience as an asset. It is reflective of many things like your skills to compete in a global setting and your ability to adapt to diverse cultures. Global education helps you hone your skills and grow exponentially. ‍After completing their degree, outstanding students can bag an international job as well. 5. Diversity They appreciate unique students. Many top-notch B-schools and other universities seek to promote diversity and inclusion. This means that the admissions team deliberately tries to encourage people from different walks of life to join the classroom. Highly reputed universities welcome meritorious international students. Some even try to strike a balance in their gender ratio thereby including talented girls and giving them an equal chance to fly. As the saying goes- "Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life!" Take the first step towards a brighter future. And, live the life of your dreams! FAQs Why is global learning important for students?   International exposure gained while studying at a foreign university and the experience of living in a new country can be life-changing! The combined power of both results in gaining practical knowledge that can help you immensely in life.  What is the value of global learning?   ‍Indian students who have received good foreign education have the edge over others. You wonder why? Recruiters view the international experience as an asset. It is reflective of many things like your skills to compete in a global setting and your ability to adapt to diverse cultures. International education helps you hone your skills and grow exponentially.  Why foreign education is better than Indian education?   They appreciate unique students. Many top-notch B-schools and other universities seek to promote diversity and inclusion. This means that the admissions team deliberately encourages people from different walks of life to join the classroom. Highly reputed universities welcome deserving international students.    Why do Indians prefer foreign education?   Indian students prefer foreign education because of many factors. Studying at an international university will give students great exposure in terms of meeting people from different cultures and countries. It will also create excellent employment opportunities abroad. Having studied at a foreign university will add value to a student’s resume.   Conclusion These are some of the major reasons why global education molds an individual for the better. In reality, there are many more points that one can consider. Whether it is the quality of education- or the experiences one attains, education abroad is a stepping stone toward untapped opportunities. We know many of us are now thinking, "What about the funds required to study abroad?". Well, saving up for higher education is not as hard as you think.
5 reasons why your child's college education is at stake

5 reasons why your child's college education is at stake

A college education is integral for every child. Not only does it provide your child with a degree and a career, but it also helps them grow as individuals. Yet there are many obstacles to good quality education. Let’s look at 5 reasons why your child’s college education is at stake!  1. Education Inflation  Education has to be the top-most factor when it comes to a child’s college education. Usually, the first thing which comes to our mind when we talk about inflation is the rise in the prices of fruits, fuel, rations, and so on. But education inflation is one domain that tops the chart. Especially after the pandemic, it has been really difficult to keep up with the ever-growing education inflation. Every year, universities hike up their fees in response to the growing prices in different sectors.    According to data generated by the Government of India, it is seen that between the years 2012 and 2020, the inflation in education rose by 10% whereas the food inflation was 9.62%. This data proves that the inflation in education has far surpassed the inflation in other necessities of life. The factors like tuition fees, higher cost of living, improved infrastructure, security, and so on. There are certain hidden costs such as flights, food prices, daily transportation, and accommodation also add up to the overall amount. 2. Lack of Savings  Lack of Savings is one reason why your child’s college education can be at stake. Many Indian parents struggle to save up for college fees and expenses. The way to avoid this hassle is by starting an education fund for their child’s education as early as possible. This helps in improving the potential to counter inflation in education. Your child might want to move abroad for their higher education. In such a case, you would need even more funds. Savings can be done either by going for a savings plan or by investing your money in a potential plan. Parents whose kids are still very young are advised to go for mutual funds. The time horizon can help manage the volatility and crashes that may come up. Also, it can help you gain a good return which will add up to the corpus for your child’s education. source: pixels 3. Lack of Research  A lack of research can lead to poor decisions and consequences. Certain universities are blacklisted and are not accredited by any board or council. The degree that a student gets from this college holds no value. It can prove to be a hurdle in your child’s education and a huge financial burden. Thus, proper research can help you avoid these mistakes and stay from university scams.   Furthermore, you need to ask your child about the course he or she is interested in and pursuing and conduct thorough research on the same. You must look for job opportunities that are offered after the end of that particular course. Avoid going for courses that do not have a properly retained market. 4. Lack of Opportunities  Recognized universities provide you with the opportunity to land a job. It should provide the return on the investment that has been put in. Furthermore, the course that your child selects should have demand in the market. The positions which are in high demand in the market tend to pay you better. If the university is renowned, many companies will conduct their drive for campus placements. Students even opt for off-campus placements if they want to get a specific type of job. 5. Lack of Guidance  Before your child applies to any university, it is important that he or she reads and understands the eligibility requirements of the particular institution. Make sure that your child has the necessary academic performance, extracurricular and entrance requirements to meet admission criteria. Most universities ask for 60% or above as an aggregate to get admission to undergraduate courses. In addition, they also require entrance exam results.    You need to have all the documents prepared beforehand. If your child does not fall in the eligibility category or is unable to produce the required documents, then his or her application might get rejected. Hence, it holds vital importance to take care of these minute details which may cause to be an obstacle.  Plan your child’s education with care to avoid some of the biggest obstacles!   TALK TO AN EXPERT
5 steps to apply for art school admission

5 steps to apply for art school admission

If you are of an artistic bent, becoming a professional artist must have crossed your mind at least once. Art is exciting, certainly more exciting than being buried in spreadsheets in a corporate job. It is through art, and through art only, that we can realise our perfection.” Oscar Wilde But what does art as a profession really entail? What are the things you need to know? What kind of education plan do you need to follow? Is a scholarship enough or do you need an education loan? Also, how do you make money from an art degree anyway? Well, here are some things you can do. 1. Knowing your education & career options Art degrees are not really as monolithic as you may think. They can lead to many different career avenues. As a matter of fact, there are many different kinds of art degrees! You have to figure out which degree is right for you. A Fine Arts degree is quite different from an Applied Arts or Design degree. In addition, there are specialized design degrees like graphic design, fashion designing, web designing, and many more. Fine arts, similarly, has specialized degrees in fields like painting, sculpture, printmaking, and so on. There are also degrees and disciplines that are loosely allied with arts but have different scopes and interests, for example, art history and curation.  Not all artists spend all their time in their studios or make money the same way. Design degrees can get you a well-paying corporate or freelance career. Fine arts degrees can also be lucrative, especially if you plan on teaching. It is important that you determine what kind of art course you want to take to understand the career options that would be available to you. 2. Finding the best fit Once you have determined what kind of degree and career path you want to undertake, you need to find a university or school that would be the best fit for you. Art school is one career path where studying abroad is worth it and makes a lot of sense. This is because universities abroad offer much better infrastructure, networking, and job opportunities, all crucial for any budding artist.  Image from Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels Research universities that are the best fit for you. This involves looking at their location, faculty, infrastructure as well as funding opportunities. Make sure that the university you are choosing is a good fit for the kind of artistic career path you have in mind. Choosing the right university is crucial to your education plan if you want to study abroad. 3. Convincing your parents If your parents are encouraging and supportive of your choice to pursue an art degree, that’s great! You are lucky! In fact, you are part of a lucky minority. Most parents tend to be a little iffy about any non-traditional career paths. If your parents fall into that majority, you may need to sharpen your persuasion skills a little.  Talking to your parents and persuading them is not as difficult as you may think. What you need to do is research and prepare a proper education plan. This plan is to show your parents that you have properly considered the details and intricacies of your decision and are prepared for any issues that might pop up. Image by Rodnae Productions on Pexels If that does not work, you can take the help of an education and guidance counselor. Counseling can help bridge the gap between you and your parents and bring them on the same page as you. Education counseling can also help you smooth out any kinks in your education plan. It can help you come up with comprehensive and pragmatic solutions that will enable you to follow your passions without reaching a career dead end.  You can even look for education counseling online if in-person sessions are not possible. 4. Securing Funding Art school is expensive. Not just tuition costs, but the costs of procuring materials and art supplies for projects and assignments can get pretty high.  You should look into the websites of the colleges you are applying to and talk to the admissions officer about funding opportunities. Look into the kinds of scholarships they have available and that their students and alumni have availed. Research one-time grants or fee waivers that you may be eligible for. You may need to secure an education loan. In that case, you should try to familiarise yourself with them. Find out how to apply for an education loan, the procedure, documents required, interest rates, repayment rules, etc. It could also be helpful to use an education loan calculator to figure out how much you can borrow and how much you would have to repay.  Talk to your parents because they are likely to have investments and savings set aside for your education. Education funding can be stressful but it is a necessary part of higher education planning. 5. Creating A Portfolio Portfolios are important when you are applying to an art school. A portfolio is a collection of your best work that basically acts as your resume. It presents the work you have done and are capable of doing so that admission committees can judge your skills and workmanship. A portfolio should therefore feature your best work but should also be diverse. You want to show people that you can do more than one kind of artwork and have more than one skill set.  You should refer to the websites of the universities you are applying to find out what they are looking for in a portfolio. Talk to admissions officers and current students and alumni of that university. You can also try to go online and look at other people’s portfolios to get an idea of how you should structure your own and what kind of artwork you should include. A portfolio contains artwork that is not just simply pretty to look at but also showcases the versatility of skills. For example, a simple landscape may be pretty to look at but does not really show any exceptional talent, skill or vision. Choose pieces that show your artistry with brushwork or impasto work. Pieces that are unique and show complexity and expertise with different materials or media are perfect for portfolios. What’s Next? Art school is a great place to both satisfy your passion and begin an exciting and promising career. You will be learning not just how to make great art but also how to sell and market that art. You will need to remember that you are not just here to learn artistry but to learn how to make a career out of that artistry. But even more than that, you are in college on an adventure! Remember to have fun on this adventure! FAQs How do I get into art school? There are many art schools across the world. The best way to start is to build a portfolio and check out the requirements for your chosen course. What subjects are needed for art school? You do not need to study any particular course for enrolling at art school. However, having an art subject like drawing, photography, fashion, designing or painting can be helpful. It gives a creative outlook and helps you build your portfolio that is required by most design/art schools in the world. What are the five steps for applying to an art school? Here are the 5 steps for applying to an art school - Knowing your education & career options Finding the best fit Convincing your parents Securing Funding Creating A Portfolio Consult an expert advisor to get the right plan TALK TO AN EXPERT
5 ways to deal with rising college fees for your child!

5 ways to deal with rising college fees for your child!

According to Money Control’s recent statistics, “education inflation in India rose by 10% from 2012-2021” It has disrupted the lives of parents and aspiring children to ensure ease of admission. The data shows that education costs rose above food and healthcare despite the hard-hitting pandemic. "IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)- all units in the country, doubled their fees by Rs. 90000 to Rs 2Lakh for all undergraduate courses in 2021." The worst figures are yet to blow the minds. According to the Economic Times, “parents will have to spend 1.5 crores on the child’s education.” To ensure parents do not struggle to meet the growing costs of raising a child, here are some ways to deal with rising college fees for your child!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvqzQx8kCpw Ways to deal with rising college fees for your child 1. Invest via SIPs SIPs are ideal if you wish to begin small in the market. In this, you can start by saving ₹5000 every month for ten years at 15% interest (assumed), and you can accumulate up to 7.93 lakhs for your child’s education. A SIP provides long-term gains and consistent savings. Continuously diversify your SIP investments in 2-4 equity-oriented mutual funds with a mix of large and mid-cap investments. Tap into equity-linked saving schemes to save for a child’s college fees and save on tax. The earlier you invest in SIP for a child’s education, you may reap more returns. Start Investing in Mutual Funds 2. Invest in US Stocks You can invest in US stocks from India in 2 ways, that is, Direct investments in stocks and Indirect investments in stocks through Mutual Funds In the case of Direct Investments, you can invest in stocks through an overseas trading account with a domestic broker or by creating an overseas trading account with an overseas broker. In the case of Indirect investments, you can invest in US stocks from India in the form of  Mutual Funds, or ETFs (Exchange Funds Transfer and Investing Applications. As per RBI guidelines under the Liberalized Revenue Scheme (LRS), one can invest up to 1.9 crores or 250000 dollars per year. 3. Invest in PPF (Public Provident Fund) A PPF is a 15-year scheme that helps create a tax-free savings account for your child’s educational expenses. A guardian may withdraw some amount after 6 or 7 years of maturity. If your child wants, he too may contribute towards the fund after maturity. One can extend the account’s validity after maturity. Always remember, that PPF is a debt account. Hence, inflation blows might affect investments. The combined limit for the PPF account is 1.5 lakh per annum. Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, a PPF account with 1.5 lakh is eligible for tax benefits. One can leverage the use of interest and maturity amount tax exemptions. 4. Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)  Insurance companies provide ULIP with the flexibility to cover multiple investments under a single scheme for investors. With one policy, you can choose among high, medium, and low-risk investments. An investor can either choose a fixed sum or an investment premium. Evaluate the risk appetite and invest accordingly in the low, medium-, or high-risk investment options. In an unforeseen situation, investors can withdraw a sum after 5 years. The premiums offered are exempt from tax under section 80C. As per research, “A ULIP fund provides 10% returns on average.” For this, an investor must invest for 10 years in the ULIP funds. It is considered an ideal investment for a long-term child’s educational goals. 5. Fixed Deposit It is one of the safest options to eliminate the college fees blues regardless of inflation. Fixed Deposits provide guaranteed returns on investments. Always analyze the interest rates, yield, and interest compounding frequency from different providers before settling for one. The higher the interest rate you get on FD, the bigger the child education fund corpus. However, FD may not provide 10-15% returns, but it is a volatile-free debt instrument.  The current educational costs may vary significantly from future educational costs. EduFund eliminates the guessing game by providing a tangible view of investments through a trusted college calculator. The experts help design a personalized child education investment plan highlighting the guardian’s current income and future educational costs, hassle-free. FAQs What are some best ways to deal with college fees? While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, a few options can be explored depending on your monthly budget, your choice of college, and the stream your child wishes to pursue. Below are some of the best ways to deal with college fees.  Manage your Budget Creating a budget to manage your finances efficiently goes a long way in setting up a disciplined way of life. It helps in monitoring your spending, prioritizing essential expenses, and cutting down on unnecessary costs, thereby helping you save for your child’s education.  Invest Early Investing early on is a smart move as you get enough time to create a corpus of a substantial amount for your child’s education. This also saves you from borrowing money from relatives and taking on educational loans.  Invest in SIP (Small Investment Plan) Begin by investing small amounts in a smart investment plan. This will help you get comfortable with the idea of investing in education. A flexible investment plan is also a good option that allows you to increase your investment at a later stage.  Invest in US stocks You can invest in US stocks, either through Direct Investments or Indirect Investments.  Direct Investments allow you to invest in stocks through an overseas trading account with a domestic broker or by creating an overseas trading account with an overseas broker.  Through Indirect Investments, you can invest in US stocks from India in the form of Mutual Funds, or ETFs (Exchange Funds Transfer and Investing Applications).  Educational Loans An educational loan is also an option for those seeking to study abroad as well as for those who wish to educate their child in one of the expensive institutions in India. Edufund helps you in calculating your college costs along with living expenses providing you a transparent report of the expenses involved. Based on this, a suitable hassle-free loan option is provided.  Scholarship Programs Most educational institutions provide scholarships to students who excel in academics but are unable to bear the cost of expensive institutions. You can apply for the same after reading all the terms and conditions. The first step should be to avail yourself of a counseling session to deal with all the doubts and queries you may have. EduFund provides this first step in a very transparent and efficient manner. As mentioned above, solutions are provided based on your budget and requirements and you can choose the one that suits you the most. What is the best time to save for college fees? The best time to start investing would be as soon as you plan to have your child, or even earlier if possible. This helps in accumulating a decent amount by the time your child starts college. Having said that, it’s never too late to start investing. Begin your investment journey with right now! What are the 5 ways to save for college fees? Here are the 5 ways to save for college fees: Invest in SIPs (Small Investments Plans) Invest in US Stocks Invest in PPF (Public Provident Fund) Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) Fixed Deposit Why are college tuition costs rising so fast? There are several common factors which contribute to escalating tuition costs: Administrative costs: Many universities have seen significant growth in staff and expenses and investing in appropriate technology. Infrastructure costs: With growing competition, institutions need to keep adding or upgrading their existing infrastructure and facilities. Additional Services and Facilities: Additional services and facilities such as providing counselors, a robust medical service, and co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, trekking, excursions, etc. require additional manpower driving up costs for parents. Education inflation: Inflation that affects the general public also affects universities and institutions increasing operational costs. It increases the costs of studying and related education expenses. Technological costs: Technological advancement improves the overall education system, but it also drives up costs due to investment in infrastructure and equipment as well as in their usage training. Reduced Government Funding: The government can reduce its funding for several reasons and universities have to face the rising costs. It forces them to increase tuition costs to make up for the shortfall. What are the solutions to rising college tuition costs? Here are 2 solutions to the problem of rising college tuition costs:Invest in mutual funds: Mutual funds are the best way to beat the rising college tuition costs. They offer great returns and are often known to beat inflation. You can start an investment plan for your kid's future when they are in school and invest till they are off to college. Invest in US ETFs: Another way to beat college costs is US ETFs. They are great if you want to send your kid abroad to study. They can beat inflation, and rupee depreciation and they offer great returns in US dollars.
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