Dharmendra Pradhan Launches SMC Guidelines 2026 In New Delhi

Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched the School Management Committee (SMC) Guidelines 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening community participation and improving school governance across the country.

The Union Minister said the guidelines would play a crucial role in implementing the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 across nearly 15 lakh schools in India. He said the framework envisions School Management Committees as a vital bridge connecting students, teachers, parents and local communities.

Pradhan emphasised that the guidelines aim to transform SMCs into a sustainable culture and a people’s movement dedicated to improving educational outcomes. He said the initiative would promote greater community ownership, mentorship and public participation in strengthening schools.

The minister highlighted that the government remains committed to ensuring quality education, health, well-being and mental health support for children, including Children With Special Needs (CWSN). He also referred to initiatives like Vidyanjali, which encourage volunteer participation and community engagement in education.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said the new guidelines represent a transformative shift in India’s education system. He noted that earlier SMC frameworks were largely focused on grant monitoring and infrastructure supervision, whereas the new guidelines address emerging priorities such as child safety, mental health, foundational literacy and numeracy, digital transparency and learning outcomes.

According to Sood, the revised guidelines would convert SMCs into active “school community governing institutions” contributing to academic quality, inclusivity, student welfare and transparency.

Chhattisgarh School Education Minister Gajender Yadav said active community involvement is essential for improving children’s learning outcomes and strengthening the relationship between parents and schools.

Several state education ministers and senior officials from across the country also attended the launch event virtually and in person.