'A Shameful Directive': Teachers Deployed For Dog Management Draws Outrage

Srinagar- Educators and academics have sharply criticized recent government directions assigning teachers in government and private schools the responsibility of acting as nodal officers for monitoring stray dogs within educational premises. The reaction came after district-level orders in Poonch and Kupwara directed schools to nominate teachers to report dog sightings, coordinate with municipal bodies and ensure preventive measures inside campuses.

Terming the directive“shameful” and“a fall for society,” several senior educationists said that placing such duties on teachers undermines the dignity of one of the most respected professions. They said teachers are nation builders entrusted with shaping young minds, yet the administration has chosen to delegate responsibilities that should fall under municipal, animal welfare, and civic authorities.

Professors at Kashmir University expressed deep disappointment, saying the move reflects“a lack of intellect” at decision-making levels.“We all have been taught by teachers and we respect them. Instead of deploying staff from relevant departments, teachers are now being asked to manage stray dogs. This is not only irrational but humiliating,” said a professor at Kashmir University, as per news agency KNT.

Academics argued that while stray dog management is a genuine public safety concern, directing teachers to handle duties such as reporting sightings, coordinating with municipal bodies, monitoring sanitation gaps and ensuring campus-level dog control sends a disturbing message about societal priorities. They said such orders erode the respect traditionally accorded to the teaching fraternity.

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