Who was associated with laying down minimum levels of learning at the elementary stage?

Correct option is A

The Correct Answer: Prof. R.H. Dave
Prof. R.H. Dave was a pioneering educationist who played a key role in conceptualizing and introducing the idea of Minimum Levels of Learning (MLL) at the elementary stage of education in India. This initiative emerged during the late 1980s and early 1990s, especially as part of efforts to universalize elementary education and ensure equity and quality in learning outcomes.
The main objective of the MLL concept was to set essential academic standards that all children, irrespective of their background or school type, should achieve at various stages of schooling. Prof. Dave's framework addressed the concern that merely increasing enrollment was not enough — children must also learn essential competencies in reading, writing, arithmetic, and basic life skills.
The MLL initiative became an integral part of several national programs such as Operation Blackboard, District Primary Education Programme (DPEP), and later influenced frameworks like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
Information Booster:
· The MLL approach focuses on competency-based education, encouraging teachers to ensure every child achieves at least the minimum expected learning level.
· It provided teachers with structured learning outcomes, assessment tools, and strategies to support slow learners.
· It laid the groundwork for later national initiatives including the development of Learning Outcomes by NCERT under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Additional Knowledge:
· Prof. Yashpal is known for his leadership in the Learning Without Burden report (1993), which highlighted the excessive academic pressure on school children and suggested reforms in curriculum and pedagogy.
· Prof. Ved Prakash is associated with educational administration and research, including his work with NCERT and UGC, but not specifically with the MLL concept.
· Acharya Ramamurthy was known for chairing the National Policy on Education Review Committee (1990), but did not directly design the MLL framework.