One of the main problems identified by the first six-year plan was the lack of trained:
One of the main problems identified by the first six-year plan was the lack of trained:
Options:
(a) Teachers
(b) Students
(c) School Staff
(d) None
✅ Correct Option: (a) Teachers
Explanation (200+ words):
A major problem identified by the first Six-Year National Plan of Educational Development (1951–57) was the shortage of trained teachers. At independence, Pakistan inherited very few qualified educators from British India, especially in rural areas and for female education. Most primary schools were staffed by underqualified teachers, which severely affected the quality of education.
The 1951 plan therefore emphasized establishing teacher training colleges, improving curricula, and creating incentives for teacher recruitment. Without trained teachers, even the newly constructed schools could not deliver quality education, contributing to low literacy and high dropout rates.
The shortage also hindered expansion of secondary education and vocational programs. Teacher training was identified as a national priority in subsequent plans, including the First Five-Year Plan, the 1970s New Education Policy, and later literacy programs.
10 PPSC Facts:
- Teacher shortage was a major bottleneck.
- Primary schools often had underqualified staff.
- Rural areas had the fewest trained teachers.
- Female teacher shortage affected girls’ education.
- Teacher training colleges were proposed.
- Curriculum reform tied to teacher competency.
- Incentives offered to attract teachers.
- Quality education linked to teacher availability.
- Teacher shortage addressed in subsequent Five-Year Plans.
- UNESCO recognized teacher training as key for national literacy.