Centre Clarifies SMC Guidelines Not Binding on Private Unaided Schools

New Delhi, May 21, 2026: The Union Ministry of Education has clarified that the School Management Committee Guidelines 2026 are not mandatory for private unaided schools that do not receive financial assistance from the government or local authorities.

The clarification came through an official communication issued on May 20 by Archana Sharma Awasthi, Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, following concerns raised over the applicability of the new guidelines to privately managed unaided institutions.

The ministry had earlier released the “School Management Committee Guidelines – 2026” on May 6, aimed at strengthening decentralised and participatory governance in schools across the country.

According to the ministry, the guidelines propose the formation of a single School Management Committee in every school, including government, government-aided and private institutions, with the objective of promoting collaboration among stakeholders in the educational process.

However, the latest clarification noted that institutions covered under Section 2(n)(iv) of the Right to Education Act would not fall under the purview of the guidelines if they do not receive any aid or grants from the appropriate government or local authority to meet their expenses.

At the same time, the ministry encouraged such schools to voluntarily constitute School Management Committees to enhance transparency, accountability and good governance practices.

The communication underlined that education is a shared responsibility involving the government, schools, parents and the wider community. It stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among all stakeholders to improve the overall functioning of schools and create a more supportive environment for children.

The ministry further stated that the guidelines are intended to promote better learning outcomes while ensuring that “the interest of the child” remains at the centre of school governance and educational planning.

By Catholic Connect Reporter