Centre Empowers Local Committees to Decentralize School Governance

New Guidelines Expand SMC Responsibilities to Secondary Schools

In a recent development, new norms have been established that expand the role of School Management Committees (SMCs) to include secondary schools. Under these new regulations, it has been mandated that 75% of SMC members must be parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, while at least 50% of the committee members should be women.

The updated guidelines delegate additional responsibilities to SMCs, allowing them to oversee all civil works within the school that cost up to ₹30 lakh. This includes the management and execution of construction and renovation projects, thereby giving SMCs greater authority in enhancing school infrastructure.

Furthermore, the SMCs will now be tasked with reviewing school budgets and monitoring the implementation of the PM-POSHAN program (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme), which aims to improve nutritional standards among school children.

This shift not only aims to strengthen the governance and accountability of schools but also promotes greater community involvement in education. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education in India, particularly in the context of the Right to Education Act, which emphasizes the need for local participation in school management.