The Delhi government has issued a significant directive to all educational institutions operating within the national capital. In a move to systematically address concerns related to stray dogs on and around campus premises, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has instructed schools and colleges to nominate dedicated nodal officers for this purpose.
Official Directive and Key Instructions
The order, communicated by the DoE to the heads of all government, aided, and private recognized schools, as well as higher education institutes, carries clear instructions. The primary mandate is for each institution to designate a specific staff member as the nodal officer for handling all stray dog-related matters. This official will serve as the single point of contact for coordination.
These appointed officers are tasked with a crucial responsibility: they must liaise directly with the local Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials. Their role involves reporting any issues concerning stray dogs on their campus or in the immediate vicinity to the civic body promptly. The directive emphasizes the need for a streamlined communication channel to ensure swift action from the MCD's veterinary services department.
Context and Rationale Behind the Order
This directive is not an isolated decision but stems from a broader framework. The Delhi government's action aligns with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). These national guidelines outline the recommended steps for managing street dog populations humanely and effectively, focusing on the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program.
The underlying goal is to foster a structured and cooperative approach between educational campuses and the civic authorities. By having a designated official, the process of reporting aggressive dogs, requesting sterilization drives, or managing feeding points becomes more organized. This initiative aims to prevent ad-hoc responses and ensure that actions taken are in compliance with animal welfare laws and the ABC program's objectives.
Expected Outcomes and Implementation
The successful implementation of this order is expected to yield several positive outcomes. Firstly, it should lead to quicker resolutions when stray dog-related incidents or nuisances are reported by students, staff, or parents. Secondly, it institutionalizes the process, moving it from informal complaints to official communication.
For the MCD, having a single, known point of contact in every major educational institute will simplify their field operations. It will allow their dog squads and ABC teams to coordinate visits, vaccination, and sterilization drives more efficiently. The directive reinforces the shared responsibility between citizen institutions and the municipal body in managing urban animal populations.
While the order does not specify a strict deadline for the appointment of these officers, it has been communicated as an immediate requirement. The heads of institutions are expected to comply and inform the relevant MCD zone offices about their appointed nodal officer without delay. This step is seen as a proactive measure to enhance safety and hygiene on educational premises while adhering to humane animal control practices.
