Poonch, [10.12.2025]: TARIQ AHMED: The Chief Education Officer (CEO), Poonch, today issued a strong statement defending the recent administrative order mandating the nomination of Nodal Officers in all schools for the monitoring and management of issues related to stray dogs, and condemned attempts by certain segments of the local media and teachers from other districts to ridicule the official directive and defame the Education Department.
The order issued by the CEO, Poonch, is not an arbitrary administrative action but a direct and urgent compliance measure following the explicit directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The Apex Court, in its recent rulings concerning stray dog management, has gravely emphasised the need to ensure the safety and welfare of children within educational institutions, given the increasing reports of dog-bite incidents across the Union Territory. The Supreme Court has mandated that all government and private institutions, including schools, must appoint Nodal Officers for upkeep and surveillance, fortify premises to prevent the entry of stray dogs, and ensure a mechanism for their humane removal, sterilisation, and relocation to designated shelters (as per the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023). The Poonch administration, acting under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner, has prioritised the fundamental right to life and safety of every student and staff member. The Nodal Officer system is a critical first step for data collection and inter-departmental coordination with Municipal and Animal Husbandry authorities for scientific and humane management of the stray dog population, entirely in line with the spirit of animal welfare.The Education Department strongly objects to the unwarranted and cynical criticism, particularly from certain teachers in the Rajouri district and irresponsible local media outlets, who have sought to trivialise a serious safety directive by making fun of the teachers nominated for this additional duty.Teachers in our district consistently perform a wide range of civic and national duties beyond teaching—from election duty and census work to health surveys and disaster management. These duties reflect their commitment as responsible public servants. The monitoring of school safety, including potential threats from stray animals, is an essential extension of their role as guardians of the students’ well-being.We strongly object to the un-humane thinking reflected in the contemptuous remarks made by certain teachers from the Rajouri area, which suggests a disregard for animal welfare. The administration’s order explicitly aims for the humane management of dogs, not their abuse, in accordance with the law. Such comments and actions are a direct violation of the ethos of public service and the clear directives of the Supreme Court, which upholds the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
In this regard, respected animal rights activists, including Sajad Bhat, Sanjay Sharma, and Romeez Khan, have rightly requested the Poonch Administration to take strict legal action.The Education Department endorses their call for the lodging of a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals on social media and teachers who are deliberately defaming the administration and inciting disregard for an official government order, which is a compliance requirement to the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Possible sections under law that may be applicable include defamation for publishing imputations intended to harm the reputation of the Education Department and its officials.Other relevant sections related to the deliberate spread of misinformation and obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their duties.We urge all stakeholders to act responsibly, support this crucial safety initiative, and comply with the Supreme Court’s mandate for safe educational premises and humane animal management.
Author: therajouritimes
Lakkar Mandi Janipur Jammu
