The National Policy on Education (NPE) of 1986 was a landmark initiative introduced during the tenure of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Here are the key highlights of the policy:
- Equitable Education Opportunity: The policy emphasized providing equal educational opportunities for all, including women, Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Scheduled Castes (SC) communities. It aimed to bridge disparities in access to education.
- Scholarship Expansion: The NPE focused on expanding scholarship programs to support students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Adult Education Promotion: Recognizing the importance of adult education, the policy advocated for programs to promote literacy and education among adults.
- Inclusive Teacher Employment: The policy encouraged the employment of more teachers from marginalized communities, such as SCs and STs, to ensure diverse representation in the education sector.
- Incentives for School Attendance: To encourage regular attendance, especially among children from economically disadvantaged families, the policy proposed providing incentives.
- Development of New Institutions: The NPE aimed at establishing new educational institutions to accommodate the growing demand for quality education.
- Child-Centric Approach in Primary Education: The policy adopted a child-centric approach to primary education, recognizing the importance of tailored educational methods for young learners.
- Operation Blackboard: This initiative, launched as part of the NPE, aimed to enhance primary education by providing essential infrastructure and resources to schools across the country.
- Expansion of Open University System: The NPE led to the expansion of the Open University system, with the establishment of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in 1985. This facilitated distance education and made higher education more accessible.
- Rural University Model: Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, the policy recognized the importance of rural universities in driving economic and social development at the grassroots level in rural India.
The NPE of 1986 was a comprehensive framework that addressed various dimensions of education in India. It aimed not only to improve access to education but also to enhance its quality and relevance to the needs of the nation. This policy laid the foundation for several educational reforms and initiatives in the subsequent years.
Operation Blackboard
Operation Blackboard was a significant initiative launched by the central government in 1987, following the release of the National Policy on Education of 1986. Its primary objective was to enhance the educational experience for students in primary schools. Here are the key features of Operation Blackboard:
- Provision of Institutional Equipment and Instructional Material: The operation aimed to supply primary schools with the necessary institutional equipment and instructional materials to facilitate effective education.
- Additional Teachers for Schools with Over 100 Students: Primary schools with an enrollment of more than 100 students were eligible to receive funding for an additional teacher to ensure a favourable teacher-student ratio.
- Extension to Upper Primary Schools: In the 9th Five Year Plan, the program was extended to include all upper primary schools, recognizing the importance of quality education at this level.
- Teacher Training Program: Operation Blackboard included a structured teacher preparation program, using specially designed materials, to ensure that all teachers were adequately trained to deliver quality education.
- Funding for School Equipment and Buildings: The central government provided funding to support the procurement of essential school equipment and for the maintenance and construction of school buildings.
- Flexibility in Teaching-Learning Materials: Schools were given the flexibility to purchase teaching-learning materials that were relevant to the curriculum and catered to the specific needs of the local community.
- Emphasis on Female Teachers: It was mandated that at least 50% of the teachers appointed under this program should be women, recognizing the importance of gender inclusivity in the education sector.
Operation Blackboard played a crucial role in bolstering primary education in India by providing the necessary resources, infrastructure, and human capital. It was a concerted effort to ensure that every child had access to quality education, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and development.
FAQs
Q1: What is the objective of the National Education Policy 1986?
A1: The primary objective of the National Education Policy 1986 is to ensure equal educational opportunities to all citizens of India and to promote national integration, secular values, and social cohesion.
Q2: What are the key features of the National Education Policy 1986?
A2: Some key features include the promotion of a common educational structure, emphasis on science and technology education, fostering national integration through the promotion of a shared cultural heritage, and enhancing the quality of education at all levels.
Q3: How does the National Education Policy 1986 address the issue of educational access?
A3: The policy emphasizes the expansion of educational facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to ensure equitable access to education for all segments of society. It also stresses the importance of affirmative action measures to facilitate the participation of marginalized groups.
Q4: What measures are outlined in the National Education Policy 1986 to improve the quality of education?
A4: The policy advocates for curriculum reforms to make education more relevant and responsive to societal needs. It also emphasizes the professional development of teachers, the use of innovative teaching methods, and the incorporation of technology in education to enhance quality.
Q5: How does the National Education Policy 1986 address the issue of educational planning and management?
A5: The policy emphasizes the need for effective planning and management mechanisms at all levels of the education system. It calls for the decentralization of educational administration to empower local communities and institutions in decision-making processes. Additionally, it highlights the importance of resource mobilization and utilization for the efficient functioning of educational institutions.
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