The Delhi government has instructed all educational institutions, including schools, to nominate nodal officers to handle matters related to stray dogs. The directive, issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), requires institutions to submit details of the appointed officers to ensure coordinated handling of public safety concerns.
According to the circular released by the DoE’s Caretaking Branch, district education officers (DDEs) have been asked to compile information such as the name, designation, contact number, and email ID of nodal officers from all schools, stadiums, and sports complexes under their jurisdiction. Individual responses from schools will not be accepted, and only consolidated district-level reports will be forwarded to the office of the Delhi Chief Secretary.
The appointed nodal officers will act as the primary point of contact for stray dog-related complaints and coordination. Their details are to be displayed prominently outside school buildings and educational premises to enhance public awareness and accessibility.
Also Read: Greater Bengaluru Authority to Enforce Strict Rules on Feeding Stray Dogs After Supreme Court Order
The DoE clarified that the decision is linked to public safety and is in compliance with a Supreme Court order dated November 7, followed by directions issued during a meeting held on November 20. The task has been categorised as a top priority by the department.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from teachers’ associations, which questioned why departments responsible for animal welfare are not addressing the issue. They warned that assigning non-teaching duties to educators could adversely affect academic work and undermine the dignity of the teaching profession.
Similar directives involving the deployment of teachers for animal-related responsibilities have previously been issued in states and Union territories such as Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, often sparking comparable concerns and resistance from educators.
Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Schools Closed Till January 1 Over Intense Cold Wave