Answer the following questions in detail.

Which programmes were included in the Operation Blackboard scheme?

The Operation Blackboard was started by the central government in 1988 for the spread of primary education and improving educational standards. The govt. provided funds to fulfill minimum educational needs like proper classrooms, toilets, a blackboard, maps, laboratory apparatus, a small library, a playground, sports equipment, etc. besides provision for more female teachers in schools. In 1994 the scheme was expanded and District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) was started with the aim to universalize primary education in seven states including Maharashtra.