"Teachers build society, they don't count dogs"

Withdraw Decision to Make Teachers Count Dogs or Face Mass Agitation

School Action Committee

Yavatmal (Wasim Sheikh): The Maharashtra State Un-aided School Action Committee (Maharashtra Rajya Bina Anudanit School Kruti Samiti) has strongly opposed the government’s decision to appoint school principals as 'Nodal Officers' for the management of stray animals and dogs. Describing the move as an insult to the dignity of the teaching profession, the committee has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the order.

Background of the Matter

The controversy stems from a recent government order aimed at mitigating increasing conflicts between humans and stray animals (specifically dogs). To address this, the administration assigned school principals the responsibility of acting as Nodal Officers for stray animal management.

In a formal letter signed by the Committee’s Vice President, Khanderao Jagdale (from Kolhapur district), several serious concerns and warnings were raised:

  Insult to Educators: The committee stated that forcing teachers—who are responsible for nation-building—to manage or count stray dogs is unfortunate and deeply disrespectful.

  Workload Concerns: Principals are already overburdened with administrative tasks and extensive online data entry. Imposing non-academic responsibilities is viewed as a violation of their professional rights.

 Inhuman Decision: The letter labeled the decision as "inhumane" and a "blot on humanity."

Stern Warning Issued

The letter, addressed to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Education Minister of Maharashtra, explicitly demands the immediate cancellation of the order.

The committee warned that if the decision is not revoked, they will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in court and launch a state-wide mass protest against the government.

Copies of this memorandum have also been dispatched to the Education Commissioner (Pune), District Collectors, and Directors of Education. All eyes are now on the administration to see how it responds to this intense opposition from the teaching community.