Govt backs new school reform rules

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday said the newly launched School Management Committee Guidelines 2026 would bring a structural change in school governance by turning campuses into centres of community participation, student welfare, and long-term academic planning.

The guidelines come at a time when education departments across states are under pressure to improve learning outcomes while also addressing dropout risks, emotional well-being, and digital adaptation.

Delhi officials said the city will study the framework in detail and begin incorporating the new model into its school administration process.

Speaking at the national launch of the guidelines at Vigyan Bhawan, Sood said the Delhi Government would implement every reform proposed under the National Education Policy 2020 and align its school system with the new framework. The event was organised by the School Education and Literacy Department of the Government of India and attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Chhattisgarh Education Minister Gajendra Yadav.

The School Management Committee Guidelines 2026 introduced several key reforms, including a single SMC for all classes from Balvatika to Class 12, aimed at strengthening school-level governance and continuity in decision-making. The guidelines clearly define the roles and responsibilities of SMCs and Member Secretary, with a focus on improved accountability, transparency and financial oversight in school management.

A key feature of the framework is school development planning and social audit mechanisms, designed to enhance community participation and ensure better oversight of school functioning.