Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 25

Union Ministry of Education has issued fresh guidelines for School Management Committees (SMCs), asking schools across the country to prepare development plans aimed at improving governance, infrastructure, child safety and implementation of education schemes.

The guidelines, issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, are aimed at strengthening community participation in school functioning and promoting accountable, decentralised governance in line with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.

The ministry said the SMC-2026 framework seeks to support schools in preparing holistic development plans, monitoring effective implementation of government education programmes and improving school infrastructure.

The guidelines also focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of children and promoting equitable and quality education, the ministry said.

“By fostering active participation of parents, teachers, local authorities, alumni and community members, the guidelines reinforce accountable school governance for building vibrant and inclusive learning ecosystems across the country,” the ministry said.

According to the guidelines, community mobilisation plays a key role in identifying local priorities, needs and solutions while improving governance, accountability and participation in schools.

The ministry said education was a shared responsibility of the government, schools, parents and the wider community, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders was essential for improving school functioning and learning outcomes.

It said active involvement of local communities was critical for effective planning, implementation, monitoring and ownership of government programmes related to education.

The framework also draws on the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages participation of local communities, alumni and senior citizens in school activities, including tutoring, mentoring, literacy drives and teaching support.

“As guided by NEP 2020, schools should grow as vibrant centres where learning and community come together,” the ministry said, adding that schools should become spaces that not only educate children but also bring communities together.

The ministry clarified that the guidelines are not mandatory for private unaided schools covered under Section 2(n)(iv) of the Right to Education Act, provided such institutions do not receive government aid or grants towards operational expenses.

However, it encouraged private unaided schools to also form School Management Committees to promote transparency, accountability and participatory governance.

The SMC-2026 guidelines will serve as a reference framework for all states and union territories to strengthen school-level governance and align local rules with the national vision for inclusive and participatory education, the ministry said.

Under the new framework, every school has been asked to constitute a School Management Committee within one month of the commencement of the academic year.

The committees will include school officials, parents or guardians of students, representatives of local authorities, academicians, subject experts, alumni and members of disadvantaged groups, according to the guidelines.