Teachers in Government, Private schools to act as Nodal Officers for management of Stray Dogs

Srinagar, Dec 10: The teachers in both government and private schools will now act as the Nodal Officers for management of Stray Dogs who will be also responsible for reporting dog sightings besides the incidents related to stray dogs.

As per the official communication issued by Chief Education Officer (CEO) Poonch, all the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and Heads of the Institutions (HoIs) of Government and Private Schools of this district have been directed to nominate one Nodal Officer in their respective offices and schools for timely monitoring and coordination regarding issues related to stray dogs in and around the premises.

"The Nodal Officer shall be responsible for reporting sightings and incidents related to stray dogs and coordinate with the concerned Municipal, Animal Husbandry, Local Bodies for necessary action," reads an official communication signed by CEO Poonnch.

The communication has been issued in wake of the a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Poonch regarding stray dog control and animal birth control.

"The nodal officers will ensure safety and awareness among staff and students. Further it is mandatory to display the name, designation and contact number of the nominated Nodal Officer prominently outside the boundary wall or main gate of the office or school for public information," the communication reads.

All the DDOs and HOls of Government and Private schools have been asked to ensure compliance and submit the details of the nominated Nodal Officer to the office within two days.

"Any lapse in compliance shall be viewed seriously," it reads.

Similarly, CEO Kupwara has also issued an official communication to all the Principals, ZEOs and headmasters with the instructions to display signage boards bearing the message "Beware of Dogs" at prominent places in and outside school premises to create awareness regarding stray dogs.

"Moreover, you are further directed to nominate as school nodal officer for the said purpose and submit compliance report," it reads.

Earlier, the litigation section of the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in an official communication informed all the CEOs that Supreme Court Of India has issued explicit directions to the Administrative Department to ensure the safety and protection of students and staff from incidents of stray dog attacks within educational premises.

"In compliance with these directions, all Chief Education Officers shall immediately initiate necessary administrative measures in both Government and recognised private institutions under their jurisdiction," the official communication reads.

The CEOs have been asked to ensure that a Nodal Officer is nominated for each institution to supervise the up keeping, sanitation, and cleanliness of the school premises and shall also ensure that no stray dogs enter or remain within the campus and shall coordinate with local authorities wherever required.

"The Schools Heads shall conduct awareness programmes for students, teachers, and non-teaching staff on safety measures and responsible behaviour to prevent stray dog encounters," the official document reads.

"The HoIs shall also strengthen preventive mechanisms, including proper waste management, boundary checks, and regular monitoring of vulnerable areas within the school premises," it reads.

The DSEK has termed the matter urgent in terms of public safety and of direct concern to the welfare of children.

"All CEOs are requested to monitor the implementation strictly and furnish a consolidated Action Taken Report to this office within four days positively, without any fail," reads the official communication issued by the Directorate on November 19 of 2025.