Edtech company Byju’s “strongly denied” the allegation that it purchases students’ databases on Wednesday and claimed that it relies on app users, walk-ins and incoming requests for consultation.
Byju’s statement comes a day after National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo claimed that the company is allegedly purchasing the phone numbers of children and their parents, and threatening them that their future will be ruined if they do not buy courses from it.
“We categorically state that we have never bought any database and expect that the media will refrain from making such a baseless and unsubstantiated allegation,” the statement said.
“We emphasize that our lead pipeline comprises exclusively of our app users, walk-ins and incoming requests for consultation. BYJU’S is ranked No. 19 in the coveted Kantar list of India’s most trusted brands. We do not need to and we never make cold calls or unscheduled walk-in visits. We strongly refute any allegation that indicates otherwise,” Byju’s stated.
Official statement from BYJU’S pic.twitter.com/iOPqW5FoM7
— BYJU’S (@BYJUS) December 21, 2022
The company recently is facing a range of complaints on social media platforms and consumer websites with customers alleging that they were exploited and deceived.
The NCPCR summoned Byju’s CEO Byju Raveendran to appear before it on December 23.
“We came to know how Byju’s buying phone numbers of children and their parents, rigorously following them and threatening them that their future will be ruined. They are targeting first-generation learners. We will initiate action and if need be will make a report and write to the government,” news agency ANI quoted Kanoongo as saying.
The panel took action based on a news report that the sales team of the company was indulging in malpractices to lure parents to buy their courses for their children.