Kailali Local Levels Initiate Principal Selection Through Open Competition

Godawari, Kailali, 10 October 2023 - In an ambitious move to uplift the standards of public education, two local levels in Kailali have embarked on a novel process to appoint school principals through open competition.

Out of the district's 13 local levels, Ghodaghodi municipality and Bardagoria rural municipality have led the charge. Of the 17 community schools in Bardagoria Rural Municipality, the principal post drew ten hopefuls. After a rigorous scrutiny, applications of eight qualified candidates met the set standards, resulting in their appointment as headmasters.

Rural Municipality's Progressive Step

Arjunsingh Karki, the Chief Administrative Officer of the rural municipality, highlighted that they've successfully appointed three principals at primary schools and six at secondary schools from the applications received. The search for suitable candidates for the remaining schools continues. Karki stated, "Given that education up to the secondary level is under local level jurisdiction, we have tailored our education regulations to our needs. Our open competition approach is a manifestation of those regulations."

Ghodaghodi's Efforts Marred by Dissent

On the other hand, Ghodaghodi municipality's journey hasn't been as smooth. Despite multiple notifications seeking applications, the process met with resistance. Umeshraj Joshi, Branch Officer and Information Officer of the municipality, noted that several community school teachers have expressed concerns over the set criteria for principal selection. The contention revolves around the education regulations stipulating specific schools for principal applications. However, Joshi reassured that amendments are underway, with proposals set to be discussed in the executive committee meeting.

Aiming to advance education standards, this municipality is on a mission to introduce a competitive selection process for headmasters across its 50 public schools.

Redefining Educational Leadership

The heart of this initiative lies in the intention to refresh the educational leadership in public schools. Traditional practices often saw the same individuals occupying the principal's position for prolonged durations. By instating a selection criterion requiring teachers within the municipality to have a minimum bachelor's degree in education for basic level schools and, for secondary level, either a master's degree with 5 years of service or a bachelor's degree with 10 years of service, the local levels are pushing for a meritocratic and efficient system that champions quality and excellence.