DoE names teachers as nodal officers for stray dog matters

New delhi: Teachers in Delhi will be appointed as nodal officers in matters related to stray dogs around their educational institutions following directions issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE).

Teachers’ associations, however, opposed the move, arguing that assigning such duties during the academic session could adversely affect teaching work, especially as pre-board examinations are currently underway in several schools.

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

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

Separately, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also appointed 97 nodal officers in municipal schools for stray dog-related coordination, according to an order issued on November 28. As per the circular, compiled district-level reports are to be submitted, and replies from individual schools will not be accepted.

The details to be shared include the name, designation, contact number, and email ID of the nominated nodal officers from schools, stadiums and sports complexes under the district.

The nodal officers will act as point persons for stray dog-related issues and their details must be displayed prominently outside school buildings and other educational premises for public awareness, it stated.

The DoE said the move is linked to public safety and is being implemented in accordance with the Supreme Court’s November 7 order and directions issued during a meeting held on November 20. The task has been marked as a top priority, the circular added.

Teachers’ bodies, however, questioned why departments responsible for animal welfare are not handling the issue, cautioning that repeated non-academic assignments undermine the dignity of the teaching profession.

Teachers’ association head Sant Ram criticised DoE’s stray dog duties, saying non-teaching tasks during school days are unfair. The circular follows Supreme Court orders on safety and conflict reduction.