First time, in which year the education policy set the 100% literacy target?
First time, in which year the education policy set the 100% literacy target?
(a) 1959
(b) 1978
(c) 1988
(d) 1992
✅ Correct Option: (d) 1992
Explanation (200+ words):
The National Education Policy 1992 was the first to set the ambitious national goal of achieving 100% literacy. Prior policies focused on improving literacy, expanding primary schools, and reducing gender gaps, but none had set a complete literacy target. The 1992 policy came at a time when global commitment to “Education for All” was rising. Pakistan aligned itself with international goals by adopting a universal literacy objective.
The policy emphasized universal primary education (UPE), mass literacy campaigns, female education, and decentralization of the education system. The Social Action Program (SAP), launched soon after, was designed to support the 1992 policy by improving girls’ schools, building classrooms, and training teachers.
However, despite setting the target, the goal of 100% literacy was not achieved due to limited funds, weak administration, and political changes. Still, it remains important historically as the first official commitment to complete literacy.
10 PPSC Facts:
- 1992 policy set 100% literacy target.
- First time in Pakistan’s history.
- Policy aligned with UNESCO’s “Education for All.”
- Introduced UPE (Universal Primary Education).
- Introduced decentralized planning.
- Supported by Social Action Program.
- Focused on girls’ schools.
- Mass literacy campaigns launched nationwide.
- Adult education centers expanded.
- Targets were ambitious but not achieved.