The Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College in Bareilly has sparked controversy with a strict new directive targeting those who feed or shelter stray dogs on campus. Principal R C Gupta has issued a warning that could result in accommodation cancellation for violators.
The Strict Warning and Its Implications
In a message circulated through internal college groups, Principal R C Gupta made his position unequivocally clear. Any faculty member or employee found keeping or feeding dogs on the campus premises will face immediate consequences, with hostel accommodation allotment being cancelled without consideration for subsequent apologies or requests.
The principal revealed that the government has taken serious note of dogs roaming freely in hostels, hospitals, and other public areas within the campus. This directive comes as the institution's latest attempt to address what they perceive as a growing safety concern.
Incident That Triggered the Decision
The tough stance follows a recent video that surfaced showing a stray dog eating directly from a woman doctor's plate inside a hostel mess. This incident apparently highlighted the extent of the stray dog presence in living and dining areas, prompting the administration to take decisive action.
Principal Gupta expressed frustration with previous attempts to resolve the issue, stating that he has written at least six letters to the Municipal Corporation over the past three years requesting the removal of stray dogs. According to him, no effective action has been taken by the civic authorities.
Conflicting Viewpoints and Reactions
The principal's directive hasn't been met with universal approval. Student leader Vineet Chaprana condemned the message, stating that this is not the appropriate way to address the issue.
Meanwhile, BJP Minister in charge Dharampal offered a contrasting perspective on managing stray dogs. He suggested that dogs traditionally maintained divided territories, and if similar practices were followed, incidents of dog bites could be reduced significantly.
Principal Gupta also mentioned facing opposition from animal welfare groups whenever the college attempts to take action against the stray dog population. He claims these groups often object and threaten him when the institution tries to address the situation.
The situation at LLRM Medical College highlights the ongoing challenge many Indian educational institutions face in balancing campus safety with animal welfare concerns, leaving the college community divided on the appropriate solution.
