Gujarat: Teachers asked to conduct stray dog survey on school campuses

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat state education department has triggered controversy after issuing a circular asking teachers to conduct a survey of stray dogs on school campuses. The directive, issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Schools, instructed district education officers to ensure that all educational institutions and offices under their control immediately count stray dogs on their premises and submit a brief report.According to the circular, the exercise is linked to Supreme Court guidelines that call for accurate data on stray dogs in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, bus stations and railway stations, citing public safety concerns. Schools were told to complete the survey within three days and send consolidated, district-wise reports to the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board.
The matter was labelled "top priority" because it is connected to an ongoing Supreme Court case. Teachers criticized the order as another non-academic duty imposed at a crucial time. With board exams nearing and Class 9 and 11 annual exams scheduled in April, they argued that the additional workload would disrupt exam preparation. Many said teachers are repeatedly diverted to tasks unrelated to education, reducing classroom time and affecting student learning outcomes. Although no teachers' union has announced a protest, the circular drew political reactions. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Dr Manish Doshi accused the govt of routinely deploying teachers for election work, surveys and administrative assignments that cut into teaching hours. He also pointed to staffing shortages, claiming about 3,000 schools in the state function with only one teacher, and questioned how such schools could manage both teaching and survey responsibilities. The Congress demanded the circular be withdrawn immediately. Principal secretary, education, Milind Torawane did not respond despite repeated attempts by TOI to contact him. The Gujarat Primary Teachers' Association has long opposed non-teaching assignments, saying teachers spend over 60 days annually on such work.