Teachers roped in as nodal officers for stray dogs in Delhi schools, unions protest

New Delhi: Teachers in Delhi will be appointed as nodal officers to handle issues related to stray dogs in and around educational institutions, following directions issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE). The move, however, has drawn sharp opposition from teachers’ associations, who argue that such responsibilities during the academic session could disrupt teaching, particularly as pre-board examinations are underway in several schools.

According to a circular issued by the DoE’s Caretaking Branch on December 5, district education officers have been instructed to nominate teachers as nodal officers for stray dog-related matters and submit their details to the directorate. The consolidated information will then be forwarded to the chief secretary.

In North West A district, the deputy director of education has already issued an order appointing 118 teachers from various schools in the zone for the task. The order also names three teachers as nodal officers representing three different zones.

The circular states that district-level reports must be compiled and submitted, and that responses from individual schools will not be accepted. Details to be shared include the names, designations, contact numbers and email IDs of the nominated nodal officers from schools, stadiums and sports complexes within each district.

These nodal officers will serve as the primary points of contact for stray dog-related issues, and their details are to be prominently displayed outside school buildings and other educational premises to ensure public awareness.

The DoE said the decision was taken in the interest of public safety and in compliance with a Supreme Court order dated November 7, as well as directions issued during a meeting held on November 20. The task has been designated a top priority.

Teachers’ organisations, however, questioned why departments responsible for animal welfare were not being tasked with the responsibility, warning that repeated non-academic assignments erode the dignity of the teaching profession.

Sant Ram, president of a government teachers’ association, said that while teachers have always stepped forward during times of need — including during the COVID-19 pandemic — assigning non-teaching duties during the school term was unfair to students.

“If teachers are allowed to focus solely on education during school days, it will be in the best interest of society and the nation. Such duties can be assigned during vacations, but diverting teachers during the academic session is an injustice to children,” he said.

Similar directives deploying teachers for animal-related responsibilities have previously been issued in several states and Union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.