Govt. Clears Air On Applicability Of SMC Guidelines 2026 To Differently Managed Schools
Schools mentioned in Section 2(n)(iv) of RTE Act will not be covered by SMC guidelines provided they have not received any grant from the appropriate government or local authority to meet expenses
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Education launched the School Management Committee (SMC) Guidelines 2026 on May 6, with the objective of strengthening community participation in school education.
The guidelines have been formulated to promote decentralised and participatory school governance and seek to improve the overall functioning of schools by creating a more supportive, inclusive and effective learning environment, keeping the best interests of children at the centre.
The intent is also to create community ownership of schools by bringing all stakeholders together on a concurrent platform.
The Ministry of Education has received representations and concerns from certain sections of society regarding the applicability of the guidelines over differently managed schools in context of Section 21 of the RTE Act, 2009.
With reference to concerns raised by certain sections of society regarding the School Management Committee Guidelines (SMCs) 2026, the Ministry of Education clarifies that the Guidelines are not applicable to private unaided schools covered under Section 2(n)(iv) of the RTE Act,…
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) May 21, 2026
In view of the concerns raised and after due consideration, the Ministry, through a communication dated May 20 addressed to all States and Union Territories, clarified that the schools mentioned in Section 2(n)(iv) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 would not be covered by these guidelines provided they have not received any kind of aid or grants from the appropriate government or local authority to meet their expenses.
The Ministry emphasised that such schools are, however, encouraged to constitute School Management Committees to promote greater transparency, accountability and participatory governance.
Education is a shared responsibility of the government, schools, parents and the community, and strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential for improving school functioning and ensuring better learning outcomes for children, a notice issued on PIB said.