Prof. Dr. Seema Saini, CEO, N L Dalmia Educational Society and Principal, N L Dalmia High School, contributed to the panel discussion at the Maharashtra Educators’ Summit & Awards, 2026 on the topic: Education Leadership, Student Wellbeing and the Changing Needs of Schools, which examined how schools can balance affordability, educational quality and the expectations of parents.
With more than three decades of experience in education, Dr. Saini brings an extensive academic and institutional leadership background to the conversation. In addition to serving as CEO of N L Dalmia Educational Society and Principal of N L Dalmia High School, her professional background includes higher education leadership and involvement in educational and management-related organisations.
During the discussion, a central issue was how schools can improve affordability without compromising the quality of teaching. The panel highlighted that teachers are the backbone of an educational institution and that their quality and salaries cannot be treated as expendable costs. Strong educational outcomes depend on capable teachers who can support students’ learning and development, a priority that also features in EducationToday coverage of educational leadership and school management.
Dr. Saini’s contribution emphasised the importance of using technology and institutional infrastructure more effectively to manage costs. Rather than approaching affordability solely through reductions in expenditure, schools need to examine how they can improve the delivery of education and make better use of available resources.
One of the key observations from the discussion captured this approach: “The question is not how do we reduce the cost of education but how do we increase the value of delivery for every rupee which the parents are paying.”
This perspective placed value for families at the heart of the affordability debate. The session encouraged schools to look beyond the price of education and assess the quality of the learning experience they provide. It reinforced the importance of protecting teaching standards while making thoughtful decisions about technology, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
Prof. Dr. Seema Saini is the CEO of N L Dalmia Educational Society and the Principal of N L Dalmia High School.
A CEO typically oversees strategic planning, institutional development, organizational operations, and initiatives to strengthen educational quality.
A school principal guides academic planning, supports teachers, oversees school operations, and works to maintain a positive learning environment.
Educational leadership helps schools adapt to changing learning needs, encourage innovation, support educators, and promote student achievement.
School leaders can encourage critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, digital literacy, and practical learning to help students develop essential life skills.
