One of the basic plans of first 5-year plan was improved the:

One of the basic plans of first 5-year plan was improved the:

Options:
(a) Primary education of boys and girls
(b) Primary education of boys only
(c) Primary education of girls only
(d) Primary education of adults

✅ Correct Option: (a) Primary education of boys and girls

Explanation (200+ words)

The First Five-Year Plan emphasized the improvement of primary education for both boys and girls. The government recognized that national progress required educating the entire population, not just one segment. At independence, Pakistan had extremely low literacy levels, especially among women, but the plan acknowledged that excluding girls from education would hinder social and economic development.

The plan therefore focused on expanding access for both genders by building new schools, providing teacher training, and improving the curriculum. Although cultural barriers at the time prevented many girls from attending school, the plan attempted to encourage female education by establishing girls’ schools, training female teachers, and highlighting the importance of women's participation in society.

Improving primary education for both boys and girls was seen as essential for developing a literate, skilled population capable of contributing to agriculture, industry, health, and governance. This inclusive approach also aligned with global development trends emphasizing universal education.

10 PPSC-Relevant Facts

  1. Focus: universal primary education (boys & girls).
  2. Start of organized girls’ schooling in rural areas.
  3. Teacher training programs for female teachers.
  4. Curriculum reforms aimed at basic literacy.
  5. Education was considered a fundamental right.
  6. Universal access tied to national development goals.
  7. New primary schools targeted gender equality.
  8. Female literacy was extremely low (approx. 8%).
  9. Plan emphasized social and economic value of women’s education.
  10. Foundation for future national education policies.