In a significant move to ensure campus safety, the Directorate of Education (DoE) in Goa has issued a binding circular to all educational institutions across the state. The directive mandates strict adherence to the Supreme Court's orders concerning the management of stray dogs in public spaces, which explicitly include schools and colleges.
What the Goa Education Directorate's Circular Says
The circular, addressed to the heads of government, government-aided, and unaided schools—covering primary, secondary, higher secondary, and special institutions—leaves no room for ambiguity. The primary objective is to ensure the safety of students and staff within school premises by following a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formulated by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
School authorities have been instructed to prominently display these SOPs on the main notice board and actively bring them to the attention of all students and stakeholders. This step ensures transparency and widespread awareness of the new protocols.
Key Measures Outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure
The SOP lays down clear and actionable steps for school managements. The fundamental responsibility is to prevent stray dogs from entering the school area. To achieve this, institutions must take concrete physical measures.
The perimeter of the school must be bounded by a fence that is not less than six feet in height. Furthermore, all entry and exit points, including the main gate, must be properly secured to block the ingress of stray animals.
Each educational institution is required to appoint a nodal officer. This person will be directly responsible for ensuring that no stray dog enters or inhabits the premises. A critical part of this role involves overseeing proper waste management in and around the school area, as waste often attracts stray animals.
Action Plan for Dogs Found Inside School Premises
The SOP provides a clear protocol for dealing with stray dogs that are already within school boundaries. The school management, with assistance from local or municipal authorities, must remove all such dogs and shift them to designated animal shelters.
The procedure does not end with removal. All dogs must be taken out for sterilization and vaccination. Subsequently, they are to be kept in shelters maintained by municipal corporations or in coordination with local animal welfare organizations or volunteers.
This comprehensive approach underscores a balance between ensuring human safety on campus and adhering to animal welfare guidelines as per the Supreme Court's vision. The Goa Directorate of Education's circular marks a structured effort to implement this balance across all schools in the state.
