At the end of first six-year Plan, the literacy rate increased from previous

At the end of first six-year Plan, the literacy rate increased from previous

Options:
(a) 0%
(b) 1%
(c) 2%
(d) 4%

✅ Correct Option: (c) 2%

Explanation (200+ words):

By the end of the first Six-Year National Plan of Educational Development (1951–57), Pakistan’s literacy rate increased by 2%, a modest improvement considering the challenges faced. At independence in 1947, literacy was extremely low (around 15%), and the country had very few trained teachers and limited educational infrastructure. The plan aimed to expand primary and secondary schools, initiate adult literacy programs, and improve teacher training.

Despite these measures, the increase was small due to administrative inefficiencies, lack of financial resources, and limited coverage in rural areas. Female literacy remained particularly low, as social and cultural barriers restricted women from attending school. The 2% rise highlighted the challenges in implementing large-scale educational reforms in a newly independent country.

The results, though modest, set the baseline for future plans like the First Five-Year Plan (1955–60) and helped identify structural issues in education, such as the shortage of trained teachers, inadequate school facilities, and underdeveloped curriculum. This period marked the beginning of systematic national education planning in Pakistan.

10 PPSC Facts:

  1. Literacy rate increased by 2%.
  2. Initial literacy in 1947 was ~15%.
  3. Focused on primary school expansion.
  4. Adult literacy programs initiated.
  5. Rural literacy coverage remained low.
  6. Female literacy was very low.
  7. Teacher shortage limited progress.
  8. Administrative inefficiency affected outcomes.
  9. Curriculum and educational material development was limited.
  10. Set the baseline for future Five-Year Plans.