Centre Mandates and Empowers Local Committees to Decentralise School Governance

**New Guidelines Expand School Management Committee (SMC) Responsibilities to Secondary Schools**

New regulations have been introduced that enhance the functions of School Management Committees (SMCs), extending their mandate to include secondary schools in addition to primary institutions. Under the revised guidelines, 75% of SMC members are required to be parents of students enrolled in the school, with at least 50% of the committee comprised of women.

The expanded responsibilities of SMCs include overseeing civil works related to the school, with the authority to manage projects costing up to ₹30 lakh (approximately $36,000). Additionally, SMCs will be responsible for reviewing school budgets and monitoring the implementation of the PM-POSHAN scheme, which aims to provide nutritious meals to students and enhance their educational experience.

These changes are part of a broader initiative to increase parental involvement in educational governance and ensure that women have a significant role in decision-making processes within schools. The inclusion of secondary schools in SMC oversight is expected to contribute to better management and resource allocation in these institutions.

The move has been welcomed by educational advocates who argue that increased community engagement can lead to improved educational outcomes and greater accountability in schools. The government aims to implement these new norms effectively to foster enhanced collaboration between parents, educators, and school administration.