Community-Led Education Transformation Award
Recognises organisations and community-led initiatives that have successfully mobilised local communities to improve educational access, participation, learning outcomes, and overall school ecosystem strengthening. The award celebrates initiatives where communities are not merely beneficiaries but active partners in designing, implementing, and sustaining educational change.
Eligibility Criteria
Organisations applying for the award must meet the following eligibility requirements.
Eligible Entities
Community-based organisations (CBOs), registered NGOs, trusts, societies, Section 8 companies, grassroots collectives, Village Education Committees (VECs), School Management Committees (SMCs), parent associations, community learning centres, social enterprises, and local institutions implementing community-driven education initiatives.
Scale Ceiling
Annual operating budget not exceeding ₹1 crore in the preceding financial year. This ceiling distinguishes grassroots organisations from larger, better-resourced institutions. The jury reserves the right to review the true organisational scale of any nominee.
Programme Maturity
The nominated initiative should have been implemented for at least one complete academic year (minimum 12 months) before the date of nomination.
Tenure
Minimum two years of continuous, on-ground operation in the nominated geography.
Community Rootedness
The initiative should demonstrate active participation and leadership of community stakeholders such as parents, teachers, School Management Committees (SMCs), Village Education Committees (VECs), Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), youth volunteers, women's groups, and other local institutions involved in planning, implementation, monitoring, or governance.
Programme Focus
The initiative should contribute to one or more of the following:
Geography
The programme must be implemented in India, with preference given to initiatives working in rural, tribal, aspirational districts, urban informal settlements, or other underserved communities.
Evidence of Transformation
Applicants should demonstrate measurable improvements in educational participation, learning outcomes, school functioning, community engagement, or other relevant education indicators attributable to community participation.
Nomination Route
Self-nominations and third-party nominations from government agencies, CSR partners, philanthropic organisations, district administrations, and education networks are accepted.
Exclusions
A single branch or chapter of a large national NGO nominated specifically to meet the budget ceiling, and organisations without any community-facing presence are not eligible.
Evaluation Criteria
Every nomination is independently reviewed by the jury using the weighted evaluation framework below.
Learning Outcomes
Evidence of measurable improvements in learning outcomes achieved through efficient and effective use of available resources.
Community Leadership
Demonstrated local ownership, stakeholder participation, and meaningful community engagement in programme implementation.
Innovation
Creative, practical, and resource-efficient solutions that address educational challenges in underserved communities.
Sustainability
A clear strategy for maintaining programme impact and continuity beyond external financial support.
Replicability
The potential for the initiative to be successfully adapted and scaled across similar educational and community contexts.