In a fresh push to boost community participation in education, the Delhi government has urged its schools to forge partnerships with NGOs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) entities through the Union government’s Vidyanjali portal.

The initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to channel volunteerism and resource support into government and aided schools.

A circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) said the initiative seeks to “strengthen collaborations for long-term educational enrichment” by allowing non-profit organisations and CSR partners to extend services directly to schools.

The directive encourages schools to “make full use” of the Vidyanjali platform but cautions against sharing any personal or sensitive student data with external partners.

The DoE highlighted that the “Adopt-a-School” module on the Vidyanjali website facilitates formal partnerships for infrastructure development and resource enhancement. The module’s concept note, issued on January 20, 2025, by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), lays out the framework for structured collaboration between schools and external contributors.

Under the new guidelines, principals and heads of schools have been empowered to accept proposals from CSR partners based on institutional needs without seeking separate approval for routine projects. However, major works—such as construction of classrooms, toilets, or high-value facilities—will require clearance from the directorate through the e-office system.

All proposals, the circular stated, must be routed exclusively through the Vidyanjali portal, ensuring transparency and accountability. It also advised schools to ensure that maintenance of donated assets falls under manufacturer warranties, with the Composite School Grant available for upkeep when needed.

Once cleared at the state level, CSR entities may contribute through activities, sponsorships, or physical assets, broadening the scope of public-private cooperation in education.

Officials said the directive is intended to operationalise NEP 2020’s vision of transforming schools into community-driven learning ecosystems — where “education is not just delivered by teachers, but supported by society at large.”