What was the GPI ratio of urban and rural areas at primary level in the year 2006?
What was the GPI ratio of urban and rural areas at primary level in the year 2006?
(a) 0.91 & 0.70
(b) 0.99 & 0.81
(c) 0.93 & 0.82
(d) 0.92 & 0.91
✅ Correct option: (a) 0.91 & 0.70
Explanation (200+ words)
In 2006, the Gender Parity Index at the primary level showed a clear urban–rural divide in Pakistan. According to NEC data, the urban GPI was about 0.91, while the rural GPI was significantly lower at around 0.70.
This disparity reflects unequal access to education for girls in rural areas. Urban areas benefit from better school infrastructure, transportation, awareness, and female teachers, which encourage parents to send daughters to school. In contrast, rural areas face challenges such as poverty, conservative cultural norms, security issues, and long distances to schools, leading to lower female participation.
This question is important for PPSC because it links gender parity with regional inequality, a recurring theme in education policy and examination questions.
10 PPSC-Relevant Facts
- Urban GPI higher than rural
- Urban GPI = 0.91
- Rural GPI = 0.70
- Infrastructure affects parity
- Female mobility issues
- Cultural norms stronger in rural areas
- Teacher availability matters
- Policy focus on rural girls
- Gender gap location-specific
- High exam relevance