The Delhi government’s directive to employ teachers in a census of stray dogs has sparked widespread controversy, following a recent stir over the issue that even drew the attention of the Supreme Court. Officials issued instructions asking district education officers to nominate teachers as nodal officers and submit their details to the Chief Secretary’s office. The orders cited public safety concerns, emphasizing the task as a high priority and including both government and private school educators.
Authorities claim each district has identified at least 118 teachers for the exercise. While teachers acknowledge the orders, many have expressed reluctance, questioning why their professional duties should involve counting stray dogs. Teacher associations have strongly opposed the move, stating it undermines the dignity of the teaching profession. GSTA member Krishna Phogat criticized the assignment, arguing that animal welfare, forestry, or other specialized departments should manage the task, and stressed that teachers’ focus should remain on students.
Government officials, however, maintain that the instructions follow Supreme Court directions issued last month. The court had ordered all states and Union Territories to relocate stray dogs from schools, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands to animal care centers. It also directed the appointment of nodal officers to supervise sterilization and vaccination before relocation. Officials insist that their actions are consistent with these mandates.
Teacher unions contend that nowhere in the court’s orders were teachers specifically mentioned, alleging a misinterpretation of the directive. The controversy highlights tensions between administrative compliance and professional responsibilities, as the Delhi stray dog issue continues to generate public debate