Performance matters

Sir — With the controversy raging over the appointment of Ms Smriti Irani as Union Minister for Human Resource Development, the debate on whether qualifications should hold primacy in the selection of a Minister has come to the fore.

While conventional wisdom would make one believe that educational qualifications are needed to put someone in a particular position, public life and politics are a separate kettle of fish. Some of our best leaders have had little educational qualification.

An elected representative brings with him or her experiences and aspirations of the people, which, in many cases, far outweigh what an educational qualification can bring to judgement on issues. The issue of only educational qualifications defining political astuteness or potential to do public good, is myopic.