CBSE Issues Fresh Directive for School Transparency
The Central Board of Secondary Education has taken a significant step toward greater transparency in school administration. In a recent official notice, the board has instructed all its affiliated schools to update their mandatory public disclosure information using a revised format on their official websites.
What This Means for Schools and Parents
This directive requires schools to make accurate and comprehensive details readily available to parents, students, and authorities. The information must cover several key areas to ensure complete transparency.
Mandatory Public Disclosure represents a crucial requirement under which schools must openly share important information on their websites. This practice enables parents, students, and authorities to access verified school-related details with ease.
Detailed Requirements for Schools
A. General Information Requirements
Schools must display these basic details clearly on their websites:
- Official school name
- Affiliation number and school code where applicable
- Complete address including pin code
- Principal's name and qualifications
- Official school email address
- Contact details including landline or mobile numbers
B. Essential Documents and Certificates
Schools must upload self-attested copies of these important documents:
- Affiliation or upgradation letters with recent extensions
- Society, trust, or company registration or renewal certificates
- No Objection Certificate from State Government or Union Territory
- Recognition certificate under the Right to Education Act, 2009
- Valid building safety certificate as per National Building Code
- Valid fire safety certificate from competent authorities
- District Education Officer certificate for affiliation
- Drinking water, health and sanitation certificates with water testing reports
The notice emphasizes that all documents must carry self-attestation by the Chairman, Manager, or Secretary along with the Principal. Schools face potential action if any uploaded document proves non-genuine during later verification.
C. Academic Results and Information
Schools must provide these academic details publicly:
- Complete fee structure
- Annual academic calendar
- List of School Management Committee members
- List of Parents Teachers Association members
- Board examination results from the last three years
For Class 10 and Class 12 specifically, schools must clearly mention:
- Number of registered students
- Number of students who passed
- Overall pass percentage
- Any relevant remarks
D. Teaching Staff Information
The following staff details require public disclosure:
- Principal information
- Vice Principal details
- Headmistress or Headmaster information
- Total number of teachers
Schools must provide separate details for:
- Post Graduate Teachers
- Trained Graduate Teachers
- Primary Teachers
Additional required information includes:
- Teacher–section ratio
- Details of special educators
- Information about counsellors and wellness teachers
E. School Infrastructure Details
Schools must share comprehensive infrastructure information covering:
- Total campus area in square metres
- Number and size of classrooms
- Number and size of laboratories including computer labs
- Number and size of library facilities
- Availability of internet facilities
- Number of toilets for girls, boys, and Children With Special Needs
- YouTube link of school inspection video covering infrastructure
Important Advisory for Schools
The CBSE notice advises schools to exercise careful scrutiny of all information before uploading. Schools must verify the accuracy and completeness of every detail they publish. Any incorrect or false information may trigger appropriate action according to established norms.
This move represents a significant push toward greater accountability and transparency in India's school education system. Parents and students can now access verified information about schools more easily than ever before.
