Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Dec 23:
Even as the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kishtwar has directed immediate bio-fencing of school premises to prevent the entry of stray dogs, the directive has raised practical concerns on the ground, particularly regarding availability of funds, as most schools in Jammu and Kashmir are currently closed due to winter vacations.
The circular NO.:CEO/K/2025-26/30027-37:30027-37 Dated 22-12-2025 instructs all Heads of Institutions to undertake bio-fencing using locally available material wherever feasible. However, it does not specify any financial provision or funding mechanism for schools that lack locally available funds, many of which are already facing resource constraints despite such funds being meant for the welfare and safety of children.
Educationists and field functionaries have pointed out that a large number of government schools, especially in rural and hilly areas, do not have discretionary funds at their disposal, making immediate compliance within the stipulated two-day timeframe a challenge.
The directive, issued in compliance with proceedings before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case “City Hounded by Stray Dogs, Kids Pay Price”, aims to ensure student safety before schools reopen after winter vacations. However, officials say clarity is needed on who will bear the expenditure for bio-fencing in schools lacking boundary walls and local resources.
Despite these constraints, the circular mandates submission of compliance reports along with photographs and assigns Zonal Education Officers the responsibility of daily monitoring until completion of the task.
The issue has highlighted the need for clear funding support or administrative facilitation to ensure uniform implementation of the safety measures across all schools.
Meanwhile, the issue of stray dog menace remains particularly acute in Kishtwar municipal areas, where residents have repeatedly reported frequent movement of stray dogs in markets, Bus Stand, residential localities and public institutions. Officials and locals have also pointed out that the premises around Kishtwar District Hospital have emerged as a major congregation point for stray dogs, largely due to availability of food waste and lack of effective deterrent measures. The situation has raised concerns about public safety, especially for patients, attendants and school children commuting through adjoining areas.
It is pertinent to mention that in the aftermath of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s intervention on the issue of stray dog attacks, several States and Union Territories across the country have initiated institutional safety measures, particularly around schools and anganwadi centres. These include construction of boundary walls, installation of bio-fencing, strengthening of gates, sterilisation and vaccination drives, and coordinated action between education departments and urban local bodies. Some administrations have also earmarked specific budgetary support for school safety infrastructure to ensure uniform implementation of court directions. (Agencies)
