The Delhi government has announced a major social audit of government schools under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for the academic year 2025–26. This large-scale review aims to ensure that every child studying in Delhi’s public schools receives all entitlements guaranteed under the Right to Education (RTE) Act fairly, equally, and on time.

According to a recent circular from the Directorate of Education (DoE), around 60 per cent of government schools in Delhi will be audited this year. The process will follow the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, Government of India to promote transparency and accountability in school management.

What is the Objective of the Social Audit?

The main purpose of the social audit is to evaluate how effectively schools are implementing key provisions of the RTE Act and the Samagra Shiksha scheme. The initiative seeks to ensure that every student receives their due entitlements, including uniforms, textbooks, mid-day meals, and safe learning conditions. A senior education department official explained that the social audit would help uncover issues that often go unnoticed in routine inspections. The audit findings will assist the Delhi government in taking corrective actions to address gaps in school infrastructure, inclusivity, and student safety.

How Many Schools Will Be Audited in 2025–26?

As per the official circular, 60 per cent of Delhi’s government schools will undergo this audit. The goal is to cover a majority of schools spread across different zones of the city to get a comprehensive understanding of ground realities. The audit will be conducted through universities, colleges, and technical institutes that hold a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rating of B+ or above. Among these, Delhi’s State Administrative University is expected to play a major role, given its prior experience with educational assessments.

What Is the Budget for the Samagra Shiksha Social Audit?

The Delhi government has allocated Rs 3.73 crore for carrying out the social audit during the 2025–26 academic year. This fund will be utilized to:

• Train social auditors for field assessments.
• Conduct visits to schools for on-ground evaluations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports based on findings.
• Upload results to official platforms for public access.

This structured approach is meant to ensure that the audit is independent, data-driven, and transparent, while also engaging multiple stakeholders.

What Areas Will the Audit Focus On?

The Samagra Shiksha social audit will assess both infrastructure and educational outcomes. The main focus areas include:

• Condition of classrooms, toilets, and drinking water facilities.
• Availability of electricity and proper ventilation.
• Safety and security of students, especially girls.
• Distribution of free uniforms, textbooks, and scholarships.
• Quality and delivery of mid-day meals.
• Inclusion of children with special needs (CWSN).
• Data on student enrolment, attendance, and retention.

The audit will also involve parents, teachers, and community members to collect authentic feedback about how schools function daily. This participatory model aims to promote a sense of shared responsibility toward improving education.

Why Is This Social Audit Important for Delhi Schools?

The audit serves multiple purposes beyond compliance. It will help the government identify systemic challenges such as infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, or delays in the delivery of resources. Moreover, it aligns with the government’s “zero-tolerance policy” toward any negligence related to student safety or welfare. If the audit finds discrepancies, corrective measures will be implemented immediately to prevent recurrence. Experts believe that the social audit will bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that reforms under the Samagra Shiksha scheme actually reach classrooms and students in real time.

What is Samagra Shiksha and Why Was It Introduced?

Launched in 2018, Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to strengthen school education from pre-primary to class 12. It merged three earlier programs:

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
2. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
3. Teacher Education (TE)

The idea was to create a single, unified structure for managing school infrastructure, teacher training, and student welfare programs.

The scheme focuses on:

• Ensuring universal access to education.
• Improving quality of learning and teaching.
• Encouraging equity and inclusion.
• Promoting digital and vocational education.
• Supporting the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

By integrating all levels of school education, Samagra Shiksha enables a holistic approach that looks at students’ academic and social development together.

How Will the Audit Impact Students and Teachers?

The outcomes of this audit are expected to directly benefit students and teachers alike.

For students, it will ensure:

• Timely delivery of entitlements like books, uniforms, and meals.
• Safer and cleaner learning spaces.
• Better access to inclusive education for differently-abled children.

For teachers, the audit may highlight areas where training or resources are insufficient, leading to future improvements in teacher development programs. Overall, the initiative will contribute to enhancing accountability and transparency within Delhi’s education system.

What Happens After the Audit Reports Are Published?

Once completed, the social audit reports will be made public through official online platforms. The findings will be reviewed by the Delhi Directorate of Education and the Ministry of Education.

Based on these reports, authorities will:

• Address infrastructure deficiencies.
• Improve facilities related to health and safety.
• Strengthen support for marginalized students.
• Ensure better implementation of Samagra Shiksha and RTE provisions.

There are also discussions about extending the process to 100% of Delhi’s government schools in the coming years, turning it into a regular and mandatory exercise.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Education in Delhi?

The social audit under Samagra Shiksha 2025–26 marks a turning point in Delhi’s education reform journey. It reinforces the government’s commitment to transparency, quality education, and the well-being of every child. By systematically reviewing how schools operate, the audit is set to empower communities, improve school performance, and build public trust in government education. If implemented successfully, Delhi could emerge as a national model for educational accountability, setting a strong example for other states across India.

FAQs on Delhi to Audit Schools Under Samagra Shiksha Scheme 2025

1. What is the purpose of Delhi’s social audit under Samagra Shiksha?

To assess how effectively schools deliver RTE entitlements and improve transparency.

2. How many schools are included in the audit?

Around 60% of Delhi’s government schools will be covered in 2025–26.

3. Who will conduct the social audit?

Universities, colleges, and technical institutions with a NAAC rating of B+ or above.

4. What is the total budget for the audit?

The Delhi government has allocated Rs 3.73 crore for this exercise.

5. What areas will the audit focus on?

School infrastructure, student welfare, safety, attendance, and inclusion.

6. Will the audit include parents and teachers?

Yes, the process involves parents, teachers, and community members for fair evaluation.

7. What will happen after the audit reports are released?

Authorities will take corrective actions and make the reports public online.

8. What is Samagra Shiksha’s main goal?

To unify all school education initiatives and ensure quality, inclusive education.

9. How does this audit help students?

It ensures timely access to resources, safety, and improved learning conditions.

10. Will audits become regular in Delhi schools?

Yes, the government plans to make social audits a regular, citywide practice.