Delhi approves SMC funds for govt schools

NEW DELHI: Delhi government has approved the School Management Committee (SMC) Funds by which the SMC led by school principals can now take various decisions including recruiting teachers for an emergency period. Under this fund, the SMC will get at least Rs 5 lakh per annum per shift. The funds for the schools running in two shifts will be Rs 10 lakh (Five lakh for each shift SMC).

Education Minister Manish Sisodia said, "It will empower the Principal and the SMC a lot. They would be able to take care of the small requirements of the schools on their own and won't have to run to the Directorate for every small issue."

According to the norms set by the latest decision, 50 percent of the amount would be spent on the works related to maintenance and 50 percent on SMC initiatives. The work on which the money is to be spent will be decided by the HoS and the SMC.

The amount to be given will depend on the number of students in the school. Schools having 1500 students will get Rs 5 lakh, those having 2500 students will get Rs 6 lakh and those having students more than 2500 will get Rs 7 lakhs. The SMC is headed by the Principal or Head of the School (HoS) and consists of two teachers, two social workers, and 12-elected parents.

Maintenance works will include things like maintenance of blackboard, small breakages, and such other things. (Details of decision and list attached with this mail) Under the SMC initiative, the school will be able to use the money for engaging expert guest lectures, expert teachers, subject experts and so on.

Another unique thing under this fund is that if the HoS or SMC wants to engage resource persons for students for competitions like medical, engineering, law, architecture etc, they can use it to pay them from the fund against their engagement. This fund can also be used for English speaking courses, career counseling etc. Experts and the resource persons would be paid Rs 1000 per hour from this fund.