Teachers in government colleges across Uttarakhand have voiced strong opposition to a recent directive from the state's higher education department. The order requires them to identify and report on stray dogs present on educational campuses, a task they say falls outside their professional responsibilities and adds to an already heavy administrative burden.
Directive Sparks Widespread Discontent
The controversy stems from an order issued last month by a joint director of the higher education department. The directive instructed all college principals to ensure a count of stray animals in and around their campuses. It also mandated reporting on existing safety measures, such as boundary walls, and required teachers to create awareness among students and local residents about strays and dog bite protocols.
This move aligns with Supreme Court guidelines aimed at ensuring student safety from stray dogs on educational premises. Following the higher education department's order, the school education department has now issued similar instructions to all chief education officers, widening the directive's scope.
Teachers Cite Existing Overwork and Misaligned Duties
Educators have pushed back forcefully, arguing that the task is not suitable for teaching staff. Dr. Ankit Joshi, former president of a teachers' association, stated that teachers are already stretched thin with duties like election work and other administrative tasks, which pull them away from their primary role of teaching. "Monitoring stray dogs does not align with the nature of our work. We can assist or guide civic bodies, but this remains their responsibility," Dr. Joshi emphasized.
Instead, teachers have suggested that the scarce housekeeping staff already present in government schools could assist in identifying the dogs. Dr. Rajkumari Chauhan, a department head at Dakpathar Degree College, expressed a sense of helplessness, noting, "When the government directs us to do something, we have no choice but to comply. A committee was formed and data collated."
Administrative Burden Versus Safety Concerns
A chief education officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, supported the teachers' concerns. He pointed out that educators are already struggling with 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," the officer said.
However, a senior official from the education directorate defended the directive. The official clarified that the intention was not to burden teachers but to leverage their familiarity with the campus 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 reasoned.
The standoff highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring campus safety and the escalating non-academic responsibilities shouldered by teachers in Uttarakhand, potentially impacting their core educational mission.
