How many primary schools would be opened in the Five-Year Plan 1978–83?
How many primary schools would be opened in the Five-Year Plan 1978–83?
(a) 17,166
(b) 12,641
(c) 4000
(d) 15,200
✅ Correct Option: (a) 17,166
Explanation (200+ words):
The Five-Year Plan (1978–83) proposed establishing 17,166 new primary schools, recognizing the massive shortfall in early education facilities across Pakistan. The objective was to expand access to schooling in rural and underdeveloped regions where illiteracy was highest. This plan was designed after reviewing the failures of earlier educational policies, which had not addressed the huge lack of schooling infrastructure.
This expansion also targeted universal primary education, which was part of global development goals. The government understood that without adequate schools, achieving literacy targets—even modest ones—was impossible. More schools meant shorter distances for children, especially girls, encouraging regular attendance.
The plan also introduced mosque schools, community schools, and informal learning centers to bridge the gap where constructing full buildings was not immediately possible. This larger network of schools was expected to support the targeted improvement in girls’ enrollment and national literacy rates.
10 PPSC Facts:
- 17,166 was the largest school expansion target at that time.
- Majority of these schools were planned for rural areas.
- Plan linked schooling expansion with literacy improvement.
- Mosque school concept was introduced during this period.
- Teacher recruitment was increased to meet school expansion.
- UNESCO stressed infrastructure expansion for literacy growth.
- Female teachers were prioritized for new girls’ schools.
- Community participation helped establish many schools.
- School distance was a major barrier for rural children.
- The plan acknowledged past neglect of primary schooling.