Bareilly: The Basic Education Department has taken swift action in the controversy surrounding a letter issued in Nawabganj directing schools to collect fodder for stray cattle. Following objections from teachers and teacher organizations, the department has attached Block Education Officer (BEO) Satyadev to the district headquarters and sought an explanation from him regarding the matter.
District Basic Education Officer (BSA) Vinita said the issue was taken seriously after the letter circulated widely on social media, triggering criticism from educators. The controversial order was subsequently withdrawn, and a review was initiated to determine responsibility.
According to the BSA, the appeal for fodder donation was intended to be voluntary and was aimed at supporting shelters for stray cattle. She emphasized that there was no provision for coercion or mandatory participation. However, concerns were raised by teacher associations, which argued that the primary responsibility of educators is to ensure quality education for students and that non-academic tasks should not interfere with this objective.
The department has also directed all Block Education Officers across the district to ensure that future official communications adhere strictly to departmental rules and use appropriate, restrained language.
Teachers’ organizations have welcomed the withdrawal of the order and the prompt action taken by the department, describing it as a positive step. They said the move demonstrates that concerns related to the teaching community are being addressed seriously by authorities.
Officials view the action not merely as a disciplinary measure against an individual officer but as an effort to reinforce accountability within the education system. The department has made it clear that the necessity, legality, and wording of any future directives must be carefully examined before issuance to avoid unnecessary controversies and ensure that educational priorities remain unaffected.
Report: Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly
