In a move to enhance collaboration and community participation in education, the Delhi government has directed its schools to actively engage with NGOs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) partners through the Vidyanjali portal, a central government initiative designed to foster partnerships between schools and external stakeholders.
According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), this initiative aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises volunteerism and collaboration as key drivers of educational reform. The circular noted that NGOs, non-profit organisations, and CSR entities can now extend their support to Delhi government and aided schools using the Vidyanjali platform.
The DoE has urged school principals and heads to make full use of the opportunities available through Vidyanjali while maintaining strict confidentiality of students’ personal and sensitive data. Referring to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), the DoE highlighted that the recently launched “Adopt-a-School” module enables long-term collaboration for infrastructure development and resource enhancement.
The module’s concept note, released on January 20, 2025, after a meeting chaired by the Economic Adviser, formalises partnerships between schools and CSR contributors. As per the circular, heads of schools are empowered to approve CSR proposals based on institutional needs without seeking separate permission from the Directorate for routine projects. However, for large-scale works such as room or toilet construction, prior approval through the e-office system remains mandatory.
All CSR proposals must be processed exclusively through the Vidyanjali portal, with both schools and contributors completing the necessary formalities. The circular also recommends that asset maintenance be included under manufacturer warranties whenever possible, while funds from the Composite School Grant may be used for upkeep if required.
Once a project is cleared at the state level on the portal, CSR partners can contribute through activities, sponsorships, or asset donations, a move expected to significantly strengthen public-private collaboration in Delhi’s education ecosystem.
