Gujarat Education Department Sparks Controversy with Stray Dog Survey Directive for Teachers
The Gujarat state education department has ignited a significant controversy by issuing a circular that mandates teachers to conduct a survey of stray dogs on school campuses. This directive, released by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools, requires district education officers to ensure that all educational institutions and offices under their jurisdiction immediately count stray dogs on their premises and submit a concise report.
Supreme Court Guidelines and Public Safety Concerns
According to the circular, this exercise is directly linked to Supreme Court guidelines that emphasize the need for accurate data on stray dogs in public institutions, including hospitals, schools, bus stations, and railway stations, due to public safety concerns. Schools have been instructed to complete the survey within a strict three-day timeframe and forward consolidated, district-wise reports to the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board. The matter has been labeled as "top priority" because it is connected to an ongoing Supreme Court case, underscoring its urgency.
Teacher Backlash Over Non-Academic Duties
Teachers have strongly criticized the order, viewing it as yet another non-academic duty imposed at a crucial time. With board exams approaching and annual exams for Class 9 and 11 scheduled in April, educators argue that this additional workload will severely disrupt exam preparation efforts. Many teachers expressed frustration, stating that they are repeatedly diverted to tasks unrelated to education, which reduces classroom time and negatively impacts student learning outcomes. Although no teachers' union has announced a formal protest, the circular has drawn widespread discontent among the teaching community.
Political Reactions and Staffing Shortages
The directive has also elicited sharp political reactions. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Dr. Manish Doshi accused the government of routinely deploying teachers for election work, surveys, and administrative assignments that cut into teaching hours. He highlighted staffing shortages, claiming that approximately 3,000 schools in the state operate with only one teacher, and questioned how such schools could manage both teaching responsibilities and the survey. The Congress party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular, citing it as an undue burden on educators.
Lack of Official Response and Historical Opposition
Principal Secretary of Education, Milind Torawane, did not respond despite repeated attempts by media outlets to contact him for comment. The Gujarat Primary Teachers' Association has long opposed non-teaching assignments, reporting that teachers spend over 60 days annually on such work, further straining their ability to focus on educational duties. This incident adds to ongoing debates about the role of teachers in administrative tasks and the impact on the quality of education in Gujarat.
