INTRODUCTION
 

1.1 During the year 1987-88, all the major schemes under the National Policy on Education, 1986, and the programme of Action, were taken up for implementation. Significant progress was achieved in implementing the schemes of Operation Blackboard, Non-formal Education, Restructuring and Re-organisation of Teacher Education, Vocationalisation of Education, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Educational Technology, Science Teaching in Schools, Adult Education, Higher Education with special reference to Distance Education, Modernisation and Removal of Obsolescence in Technical Education.

1.2 In bringing the various schemes under implementation, through the innovative mechanism of State Level Empowered Committees, the Department could cut through red tape and ensure promptitude in decision-making and at the same time ensure quality in examination of the proposals of the State Governments.

1.3 The entire amount of Rs.800/- crores provided for the Central Education Sector in 1987-88 was utilised on a project-oriented basis. For the current financial year (1988-89) also, funds have been provided at last year's level, i.e. Rs. 800 crores. Activities initiated during 1987-88 are being continued.

1.4 A Conference of State Education Secretaries and. Directors was held on the 17th and 18th of June, 1988. This was followed by another Conference of State Education Secretaries and Directors on the 12th of September, 1988 which was devoted to evolving a Monitoring Sstem for the various programmes of NPE. Progress in implementation of various schemes was reviewed and strategies for achievement of financial and physical targets for the year 1988-89 were worked out in the Conference.

1