Centre Clarifies Applicability of SMC Guidelines 2026 to Certain Schools

The Ministry of Education on 20th May, 2026 clarified the applicability of the School Management Committee (SMC) Guidelines 2026 to differently managed schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The clarification came after the Ministry received representations and concerns from certain sections regarding the scope of the guidelines in relation to Section 21 of the Right to Education Act. 

School Management Committee Guidelines 

The SMC Guidelines 2026 were launched by the Ministry of Education on 6th May, 2026. According to the Ministry, the guidelines aim to strengthen community participation in school education and promote decentralized and participatory school governance. Those guidelines also seek to improve school functioning by creating a supportive, inclusive and effective learning environment while encouraging community ownership of schools through stakeholder participation. 

Exemption for Certain Schools 

In its communication addressed to all States and Union Territories, the Ministry stated that schools covered under Section 2(n)(iv) of the RTE Act, 2009 would not fall under the SMC Guidelines 2026 if they have not received any aid or grants from the appropriate government or local authority for meeting their expenses. 

Encouragement for Voluntary Committees 

The Ministry stated that such schools are nevertheless encouraged to constitute School Management Committees to promote transparency, accountability and participatory governance. 

It also noted that education is a shared responsibility of the government, schools, parents and the community, and emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders for improving school functioning and learning outcomes for children.