Teachers express displeasure over direction to count stray dogs on campus, ETEducation
Dehradun: Teachers have expressed their displeasure after being directed to identify stray dogs on campus and report safety measures in place by Uttarakhand higher education department. Educators instead pointed out that housekeeping staff, already scarce in govt schools, could assist in identifying stray dogs, arguing that teachers should not be burdened with the task.
“When govt directs us to do something, we have no choice but to comply. A committee was formed and data collated,” said Dr Rajkumari Chauhan, a department head at the Dakpathar degree college.
“Teachers are already stretched thin with poll duty and administrative work, which takes us away from our primary role. Monitoring stray dogs does not align with the nature of our work. We can assist or guide civic bodies, but this remains their responsibility,” said Dr Ankit Joshi, former president of the teachers’ association.
The directive also requires teachers to create awareness among students and residents about the strays and share information on what to do in case of dog bites. The additional responsibilities came in line with Supreme Court guidelines aimed at ensuring student safety on educational campuses from stray dogs. The school education department has now issued similar instructions to all chief education officers.
In the order from previous month, a joint director with the higher education department asked all principals to ensure that a count of strays in and around the campuses was carried out, along with precautions being taken to ensure student safety, such as boundary walls, etc.
A chief education officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said teachers were already struggling under heavy administrative workloads without additional compensation or time. “Student and staff safety is important, but teachers should not be diverted from teaching. They are already part of multiple committees in addition to their academic duties,” he said.
Defending the move, a senior official from the education directorate said the intention was not to burden teachers but to ensure a safe environment. “Teachers are the primary point of contact in schools and are familiar with campus conditions, making them well placed to provide such information,” the official said.
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