New Delhi, December 29, 2025: The Delhi government has directed all educational institutions, including schools, to designate nodal officers to handle issues related to stray dogs and submit their details to the Directorate of Education (DoE), a move that has triggered strong opposition from teachers’ associations.
According to a circular issued by the Caretaking Branch of the DoE, district education officers have been instructed to compile information on nodal officers appointed in schools, stadiums and sports complexes under their jurisdiction. The details to be submitted include the name, designation, contact number and email ID of the nominated officers. The department clarified that individual submissions from schools will not be accepted and only consolidated district-level reports will be forwarded to the office of the Delhi Chief Secretary.
The nodal officers will function as the main point of contact for matters concerning stray dogs. Their contact details are to be displayed prominently outside school premises and other educational institutions to ensure public awareness and accessibility.
The Directorate of Education said the directive has been issued in the interest of public safety and in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated November 7, as well as directions issued during a follow-up meeting on November 20. The task has been marked as a priority by the department.
However, teachers’ associations have criticised the decision, questioning why departments responsible for animal welfare or municipal bodies are not being assigned the responsibility. They warned that imposing non-academic duties on educators could affect teaching activities and undermine the dignity of the teaching profession.
Similar instructions assigning teachers animal-related responsibilities have earlier been issued in several states and Union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh, drawing comparable criticism from educators.
