Page 21 - Kashmir and National Education Policy by Dr. Amarpreet Kour

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

equality and proposed expanding Operation Blackboard to
include the upper primary level, ensuring a minimum of 50%
female teachers in future elementary appointments, introducing
informal education programs for working children and the
educationally deprived, implementing computer education in
as many schools as possible, and keeping elementary schools
open throughout the year (Government of India, 1992).

34. The Operation Blackboard scheme was launched in 1987 as
part of the NPE-POA initiative to improve primary education
across the country. The scheme aimed to provide all primary
schools with minimum essential facilities, including adequate
infrastructure, teaching materials, and trained teachers, to
create a conducive learning environment and ensure quality
education for all (Government of India, 1987).

35. The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was constituted
on 13th June 2005 as a high-level advisory body to the Prime
Minister of India. The vision for NKC was articulated in the
address of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, “The
time has come to create a second wave of institution building,
and of excellence in the fields of education, research and
capability building (National Knowledge Commission, 2007).

36. Build excellence in the educational system to meet the
knowledge challenges of the 21” century and increase India’s
competitive advantage in fields of knowledge.

37. Promote creation of knowledge in Science & Technology
laboratories. Improve the management of institutions
engaged in Intellectual Property Rights. Promote knowledge
applications in Agriculture and Industry. Promote the use of
knowledge capabilities in making government an effective,
transparent and accountable service provider to the citizen and
promote widespread sharing of knowledge to maximize public
benefit (National Knowledge Commission, 2007).

38. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, ensures free and
compulsory education for children aged 6-14, mandating
private schools to reserve 25% of seats for disadvantaged
groups. No child can be held back, expelled, or required to
pass board exams until completing elementary education. It
also includes provisions for special training for dropouts.

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