22. The problems have been further accentuated during the three annual Plan years of 1966-69. During this period, the outlays for education could not maintain the tempo of developmental activity, which consequently was slowed down, very greatly. In many States, at the elementry stage, it was not possible to appoint an adequate number of additional teachers, with consequent slowing down of expansion of enrolment, overcrowding in existing

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schools, unemployment of trained teachers and curtailment of training facilities for teachers. Comparatively speaking, expansion of facilities -at the secondary stage received greater attention from the State Governments than that of primary education. The expenditure under university education exceeded the original allocations largely due to the setting up of new universities and colleges. No worthwhile programmes were taken up under adult education. The emphasis in technical education has been mostly in consolidation. In view of the prevailing unemployment among engineering personnel, the Central Government has recommended to all States to reduce admissions in engineering colleges and polytechnics. The programmes of mid-day meals at the primary stage were continued at almost the same level as was reached in 1965-66. No significant programmes were taken up for the expansion of girls' education, or the reduction of wastage and stagnation etc. The programmes of qualitative improvement fared even worse and were either eliminated altogether or were maintained at a very low level of effectiveness.