Educational equations

This refers to the editorial, ‘Educational equations’ (March 31). Principals and headmasters of educational institutions are appointed on the basis of seniority, not merit. Any college teacher in Grade-19 is eligible to become principal of a college, and any schoolteacher in Grade-17 can become headmaster of a secondary school. Usually, political favourites are appointed to these prestigious posts.

During my 40 years as a teacher, I have seen very few competent headmasters and principals. Just seniority does not ensure competence as head of an institution. Only foolproof criteria for the selection of competent persons and special management training courses can give us efficient heads of institutions.

Munawar Ali Malik

Mianwali