Breaking Barriers: The Silent Revolution of School Development Committees in Jhunjhunu

In the vibrant yet deeply traditional district of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan—a state with 9,892 Gram Panchayats—a small yet significant change is taking root in the school education system. In one of Jhunjhunu’s 37 Gram Panchayats, a School Development Management Committee (SDMC) meeting recently unfolded, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities in bridging education with community development.

As mandated by the Rajasthan Government, an SDMC comprises 23 diverse members: teachers, elected representatives, parents, and community leaders, each representing different demographics, from Scheduled Castes and Tribes to women’s self-help groups. These meetings, held quarterly or as needed, aim to brainstorm and draft a “School Development Plan” by July 31 each year. The agenda focuses on critical issues like student enrolment, dropout rates, and fostering a harmonious school-community relationship.

Yet, tradition casts a long shadow. At the recent meeting, women sat at the back, veiled and hesitant to voice their concerns directly. Lower-caste representatives, relegated to the sidelines, often relied on influential men to raise their issues. The seating arrangement itself mirrored deep-seated societal hierarchies: men at the forefront, government officials elevated on a platform, and women quietly observing from the periphery.

Despite these barriers, progress is visible. Practices like women refusing to sit on chairs before men have begun to fade, albeit slowly. The presence of women sarpanches among officials is a step forward, though their inclusion remains limited.

One glaring issue is the perfunctory nature of meeting records. Often, signatures are collected on blank pages, leaving space for fabricated proceedings—a practice that undermines the very purpose of these meetings.

Still, there’s hope. These meetings symbolize a subtle yet vital push for inclusivity and community engagement. Change may be slow, but the journey towards equity and collaboration has begun, promising a more sustainable future for Rajasthan’s schools and its communities.