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In an unprecedented move blending animal welfare with school routine, the West Bengal Samagra Shiksha Mission is set to implement a statewide directive: not only students, but stray dogs too must be fed—courtesy of the midday meal system.

 

The decision, touted as a measure to prevent dog bites on campuses, has stirred confusion, concern and a fair share of bewildered laughter across the state’s teaching community. Many educators are reportedly stunned by the guideline, which subtly shifts their already overburdened responsibilities from textbooks to tail-wagging visitors.

 

The move stems from a 28 March letter issued to district administrations, outlining steps to protect schoolchildren from stray dog attacks. In line with recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, schools were instructed to ensure children do not provoke dogs, throw stones, or run upon encountering them.

 

But the latest twist, issued via a fresh circular on Friday, takes the directive a notch higher—by introducing daily feeding of stray dogs outside school premises, all in the name of creating a more "harmonious environment".

 

 

The guidelines state that members of local self-help groups (Swayambhar) may be engaged to distribute food to stray dogs, ideally away from classrooms and playgrounds, at a fixed time each day. Teachers, however, will need to monitor the process, adding yet another role to their already multipurpose duties.

 

It remains unclear whether the dogs will be fed from the same budget or the meals prepared for students. A senior official from the Shiksha Mission cautiously remarked, “Guidelines have been issued, but whether the food will come from the children’s share is still under discussion. We’ll know more in a day or two.”

Also read: Science education at risk in Bengal schools after SC verdict

 

The directive has left many teachers flummoxed. “Where’s the budget for the dogs?” asked one teacher from South 24 Parganas, requesting anonymity, adding, “Today it may be two dogs. Tomorrow, four. The next day, ten. They won’t RSVP before arriving.”

 

He added sarcastically, “Already we struggle to provide proper nutrition to the children within the given budget. Now, if we have to ration meals between kids and canines, what next? Cow shelters?”

 

Teachers also flagged manpower shortages, questioning how they’ll supervise dog feeding when they’re already short-staffed and multitasking as educators, cooks and midday meal supervisors.

 

 

Sources say the expansion of the guideline came after animal rights advocate and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi requested additional steps to ensure safe coexistence between children and dogs. The revised order follows up on her plea by embedding structured feeding into the school schedule.

 

Also included in the broader plan is a directive to coordinate with district Animal Husbandry departments for dog vaccination and disinfection, underscoring the health and safety angle.

 

While the goal—preventing dog bites—is commendable, critics say the execution is confusing and poorly thought out.

 

As one official joked off-record, “Next, we may be asked to arrange counselling sessions for cats or install pigeon coops in the assembly ground.”

 

The new guideline is expected to formally reach schools across the state by Monday, and the coming week may witness spirited debates across staff rooms as Bengal’s educators try to figure out how to balance the blackboard with the barking brigade.