UGC Orders Universities to Appoint Nodal Officers, Form Committees to Tackle Stray Dog Menace on Campuses
UGC Orders Universities to Appoint Nodal Officers, Form Committees to Tackle Stray Dog Menace on Campuses
New Delhi, December 29, 2025: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh advisory asking all universities and higher educational institutions to take immediate and coordinated steps to control the movement of stray dogs within campus premises, citing growing concerns over the safety of students, faculty and staff.
The advisory follows a Supreme Court order dated November 7, 2025, which drew attention to the increasing number of dog-bite incidents in educational institutions as well as public spaces. The apex court had directed states, Union Territories and concerned authorities to implement effective measures while strictly adhering to existing animal welfare laws.
In line with these directions, the UGC has called upon institutions to adopt a structured, humane and legally compliant framework for managing stray dogs on their campuses. The circular, issued on December 26 by UGC Secretary Manish Joshi, underlines the responsibility of universities and colleges to ensure a secure and conducive academic environment.
Under the new guidelines, every institution is required to appoint a nodal officer who will act as the single point of contact for all matters related to stray dogs. The nodal officer will coordinate with local municipal corporations, animal husbandry departments, veterinary services and animal welfare agencies. Institutions have been instructed to prominently display the name and contact details of the nodal officer at the main entrance of the campus.
The UGC has also mandated the formation of Animal Welfare Committees within institutions. These committees are to include senior administrative officials, representatives from civic bodies, veterinary experts, animal welfare organisations and campus security personnel. The committees will be responsible for monitoring stray dog presence and ensuring the implementation of humane measures such as sterilisation, vaccination and, where necessary, relocation in collaboration with municipal authorities.
To enhance campus safety, institutions have been advised to limit unauthorised entry points, strengthen boundary walls and fencing, deploy security staff in sensitive zones and ensure that stray dogs do not enter playgrounds, sports complexes and other high-activity areas.
Additionally, universities and colleges have been asked to organise awareness programmes to educate students and employees on how to respond to dog-related incidents. Institutions are required to submit compliance reports to the UGC, and failure to follow the guidelines may invite further action.
While reiterating the need to uphold animal welfare laws, the UGC emphasised that safeguarding human life and ensuring a safe educational environment must remain the top priority.
