School Management Committee (SMC) and School Management Development Committee (SMDC) PE 6 Odisha B.Ed & Education Honours

School Management Committee (SMC) and School Management Development Committee (SMDC)

Introduction

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009 made it mandatory for every government and government-aided school to constitute a School Management Committee (SMC) to decentralize decision-making, ensure community participation, and improve accountability in school functioning. Similarly, School Management and Development Committees (SMDCs) were formed especially under schemes like RMSA (now part of Samagra Shiksha) to strengthen school governance at the secondary level. These committees function as community-based institutions working closely with teachers, parents, and local authorities to ensure the efficient functioning and holistic development of the school.

School Management Committee (SMC)

Concept and Legal Mandate

SMCs are statutory bodies formed under the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009 for all elementary schools (Classes I–VIII). It ensures participatory governance by including parents, teachers, and local representatives.

Composition of SMC

As per RTE and Odisha guidelines:

75% members are parents or guardians of children studying in the school.

At least 50% women must be included.

Members include the Head Teacher, elected representatives of the local authority, SC/ST representatives, and local educationists.

The chairperson is usually a parent, while the member-secretary is the Head Teacher.

Functions of SMC

Preparation of School Development Plan (SDP) for 3 years.

Monitor teacher attendance and student enrolment.

Ensure proper utilization of school funds and grants.

Supervise the infrastructure, MDM (Mid-Day Meal), and inclusive education initiatives.

Ensure community engagement and grievance redressal.

Assist in the preparation and monitoring of regular academic activities.

Role in Inclusive Education

SMCs ensure that Children With Special Needs (CWSN) and marginalized groups (SC/ST/OBC/Girls) are enrolled and retained in school. They facilitate the use of aids and local resources for barrier-free access.

School Management and Development Committee (SMDC)

Concept

SMDCs are constituted primarily in secondary and higher secondary schools (Classes IX–XII), especially under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Samagra Shiksha to enhance participation and ownership in school development.

Composition of SMDC

It includes:

School Head as Chairperson

Teacher representatives

Local Authority/Village Education Committee representative

Alumni member

Parent representatives

NGO/Civil society representative

Members from SC/ST/OBC/Women to ensure equity

Sub-committees under SMDC

Often SMDCs have functional sub-committees like:

Finance sub-committee

Infrastructure and civil works committee

Academic and co-curricular committee

Equity and access committee

Functions of SMDC

Preparation of School Improvement Plan (SIP) based on school needs.

Monitor physical and academic progress of school development.

Ensure proper utilization of funds allocated under Samagra Shiksha.

Organize remedial and enrichment classes for weak and gifted learners.

Facilitate vocational and ICT-based education.

Encourage innovation, inclusion, equity, and girl child education.

SMC vs. SMDC: Key Differences

Aspect	SMC (Elementary)	SMDC (Secondary)
Level	Elementary (I–VIII)	Secondary (IX–XII)
Legal basis	RTE Act, 2009	RMSA / Samagra Shiksha
Chairperson	Parent	Headmaster / Principal
Primary focus	Enrolment, retention, MDM, SDP	Infrastructure, academic excellence, SIP
Parent Participation	75% members are parents	Includes parents but broader stakeholder base
Development Plan	School Development Plan (SDP)	School Improvement Plan (SIP)

Importance in School Governance

Both SMCs and SMDCs play a vital role in ensuring:

Transparency and accountability

Community ownership

Student-centered development

Effective school planning

Need-based fund utilization

Local grievance redressal

In Odisha, these committees are actively supported under Mo School Abhiyan, 5T Transformation, and Samagra Shiksha.

Conclusion

SMC and SMDC are pillars of decentralized school governance. They facilitate school improvement by involving all stakeholders in planning, implementation, and monitoring processes. Their effective functioning ensures inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all children, fulfilling the constitutional vision of the RTE Act and the National Education Policy.