Operation Blackboard Essential Facilities at the Primary Stage Norms and Specifications

Abstract

The concept of threshold facilities in the context of core curriculum was first put forward in the “National Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Education—A Framework” brought out by NCERT in 1985. It stated that “For effective transaction of a core curriculum, it is imperative that certain minimum facilities must be provided to the schools of the nation.” This term was debated considerably in NCERT before it found place in the Framework. The dictionary meaning of the word in terms of physiology and psychology is extremely appropriate and convincing. It is defined as “The point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced, as that degree of stimulation of a nerve or nerve centre which just produces a response.” In educational terminology it is assumed that desired learning outcomes can be achieved only if necessary inputs in terms of educational facilities are provided to a school. In the absence of such basic inputs it is not possible for a school to generate desired learning in children.