Chhattisgarh school heads asked to monitor stray dogs, DPI order triggers widespread criticism

A directive issued by the Chhattisgarh Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) placing the responsibility of monitoring stray dogs on school principals and headmasters has triggered sharp criticism from educators and political representatives, who have termed the move impractical and misdirected.

As per the order, the head of every government school has been designated as a nodal officer responsible for identifying and reporting the presence of stray dogs within school premises and surrounding areas. The instruction requires school authorities to coordinate with municipal bodies and submit periodic reports to facilitate preventive action wherever required.

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The DPI has defended the decision by citing concerns over the increasing movement of stray dogs during midday meals, which, according to the department, has led to a rise in dog-bite incidents. Officials maintain that the measure is in line with Supreme Court observations that called for urgent steps to curb stray dog threats within institutional campuses.

However, several school administrators and teachers argue that the order places an unfair additional burden on already overextended staff. They pointed out that principals are currently occupied with multiple non-academic responsibilities, including election-linked duties and SIR related tasks, leaving limited bandwidth for such surveillance roles. Many fear that the directive will further dilute attention from core academic management and student welfare.

The issue has also drawn political response. Senior Congress leader Sushil Anand Shukla criticised the move, stating that the responsibility of managing stray dog populations lies with civic bodies, not educational institutions. “Despite having trained personnel and infrastructure, municipal authorities are shifting their duties onto teachers. After BLO and SIR assignments, now educators are being asked to monitor stray dogs. This reflects a serious disconnect from the basic priorities of the education system,” he said.

The order has since generated significant debate on social media platforms, with several teachers questioning the logic behind the decision and viewing it as another example of administrative overreach. Many have argued that while campus safety is essential, the solution lies in strengthening municipal animal control mechanisms rather than burdening school functionaries.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court has previously flagged the rising presence of stray dogs in public places and institutions as evidence of systemic failure and directed the concerned authorities to take firm and immediate corrective measures.

With opposition growing and voices urging reconsideration, the directive has reignited a broader conversation on the expanding scope of non-academic duties imposed on teachers and the impact this trend could have on the quality of schooling in the state.