Published Paper Details:

Education is a fundamental instrument for social and economic development, and its effective delivery depends not only on national policy frameworks but also on robust local implementation mechanisms. In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of decentralization in governance, particularly in the education sector. This study explores the implementation of educational schemes and policies through local government structures, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and School Management Committees (SMCs), with a focus on their role in enhancing access, equity, and quality in primary and secondary education. The research delves into major schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Mid-Day Meal (MDM), Right to Education Act (RTE), and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA 2.0), examining how these are translated into action at the grassroots level. Using secondary data from national educational databases such as UDISE+, ASER, and policy documents, along with case studies and qualitative insights from existing literature, the study identifies both enabling factors and persistent challenges in local implementation. Findings suggest that while local bodies are instrumental in mobilizing resources, engaging the community, and addressing context-specific needs, their effectiveness is often hampered by inadequate training, limited financial autonomy, bureaucratic delays, and overlapping responsibilities. Moreover, the gap between policy formulation and implementation often leads to sub-optimal outcomes, especially in underserved urban and rural areas. The study concludes that strengthening the capacity of local governance institutions, ensuring timely fund disbursement, enhancing accountability, and promoting participatory planning are essential for achieving the intended goals of educational policies. It advocates for a multistakeholder approach where teachers, parents, local leaders, and civil society collectively contribute to improving educational outcomes. This paper aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on how local governance structures can be optimized for more effective and inclusive educational service delivery.