In an unusual mandate, teachers in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district have been instructed to gather straw for stray cattle while simultaneously preparing for census responsibilities. The Basic Education Department has directed each primary school to arrange approximately 46 kilograms of straw for cow shelters. Collectively, teachers across various blocks are expected to amass nearly 100 quintals of fodder.

The directive, issued by Block Education Officers, cites orders from the district administration and specifies that compliance is mandatory. The document warns of potential departmental action against those who fail to adhere to this instruction, raising concerns among education professionals regarding the scope of their responsibilities.

This latest edict has reignited discussions in Uttar Pradesh about the boundaries of a teacher’s role, as they frequently engage in various non-academic tasks, from election duties to vaccination drives, in addition to their primary function of teaching.

Stray Cattle Management in Uttar Pradesh

Stray cattle have been a significant concern in Uttar Pradesh, particularly following the government’s increased efforts in cattle protection that have led to a rise in abandoned cows. The Adityanath administration has heavily invested in establishing gaushalas and cattle shelters, highlighted by initiatives such as the Kanha Pashu Ashray Yojana.

Bareilly has been integral to these efforts, having inaugurated what was labelled as the state’s first large shelter for stray cattle in 2018. Nevertheless, a persistent challenge has surfaced alongside the construction of shelters: sourcing adequate fodder to feed these animals.

Over the years, district administrations have sought assistance from community members, local leaders, and educators to help sustain the cattle residing in government-managed shelters. A similar situation arose in 2022 in Sant Kabir Nagar, when teachers were requested to contribute a minimum of one quintal of fodder for cows housed in local gaushalas.

Reactions from Teachers and Unions

The recent orders in Bareilly quickly spread across social media platforms, eliciting strong reactions from various teacher groups and educational professionals. Many educators have voiced their frustrations regarding an increase in non-teaching obligations that detract from their primary educational duties.

Some educators responded with irony, suggesting that if this trend continues, they could soon be tasked with other unusual responsibilities, such as collecting cow dung or cleaning drains. These comments reflect a growing discontent with what some perceive as an overreach of administrative expectations placed on teachers.

The underlying concern remains: educators are traditionally focused on enhancing learning outcomes, yet they are increasingly asked to partake in initiatives that divert them from their core mission. This perception raises questions about the clear delineation of roles within the educational framework and the implications for teaching quality in the state.

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