News
More say for parents in schools.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has considerably “enhanced” the powers of School Management Committees. Now the vice-chairperson —a parent — will have the power to summon meetings, inspect school records and form committee to track teachers attendance.
Most parents find the workings of schools shrouded by opaqueness and a general lack of responsibility many a times. However, all this is about to change soon as community members will now have a greater say in running of schools. School management committees (SMCs) of government schools can also ask principals to show-cause teachers.
In a circular dated August 1, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has brought further clarity to the role of SMCs and considerably "enhanced" their powers. The Delhi government has given SMCs some effective power, while removing a dozen social workers from the committees.
Now, the vice-chairperson — who will be a parent — will have the power to summon meeting and SMCs will be able to inspect all school records including checking their expenses. They also form committees to track teacher absenteeism. The new rules also mandate an annual "social audit" in which, "all the activities and funds of the schools must be annually presented before the general body comprising parents and teachers".
"Over the past years we have received many complaints and concerns from you regarding functioning of the SMCs. Based on that we have brought in some changes in the powers of SMCs," said Atishi Marlena, advisor to the education minister, in a message to SMC coordinators.
SMC were originally setup with the intention to shift the day-to-day administration of a school to the community in which the school was located. Of the 16 members in a Delhi SMC, 11 are parents. There are over 10,000 parents in the city who are elected SMC members.
"The exact role and powers of SMCs were vague in the Act and rules. Principals would routinely refuse to show records. This circular brings clarity. It creates a significant opening for SMCs to take charge," said Rajiv Kumar of education NGO Pardarshita who was, till recently, an SMC member.
Though the chairperson of a SMC is still the head of a school — much against the advice of activists — but now the vice-chairperson, a parent, is vested with the power to call meetings as well.
The DoE circular said: "The SMC shall be empowered to take any decision for the overall development of the school and welfare of the students and teachers, and shall be empowered to get these decisions implemented".
Besides the blanket approval, powers have been defined for about a dozen, more specific, categories. Records, expenses and registers are to be made available at SMC's monthly meetings and to members, on demand. In some cases, even the time-frame for action has been stated.
A deputy director of education (district DDE), for instance, has 15 days to create an inquiry committee to investigate financial irregularities if the SMC recommends it. If the DDE doesn't, s/he'll have to state why in writing. If at least half the members agree, SMCs can collaborate with NGOs "for meeting… deficiencies in academics, sports, music or any other field."
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