New Delhi: The Delhi government on Monday refuted reports circulating on social media and other platforms claiming that the Centre had asked educational institutions, schools, and stadiums to nominate Nodal Officers for a stray dog census. Officials clarified that these reports are “fake news”.

The clarification came through an official notice issued by the Caretaking Branch of the Delhi Directorate of Education, which instructed schools to submit details of Nodal Officers in a specific format. The required details include name, designation, contact number, and email address of the officers. The notice covers all government schools, aided schools, unaided recognised schools, stadiums, and sports complexes.

The directive was issued in line with a Supreme Court order dated November 7, 2025, and a follow-up meeting held on November 20, 2025, focused on top-priority public safety measures. The government clarified that there was no instruction to conduct any census of stray dogs.

“The matter being related to public safety and compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court order dated November 7, 2025, and subsequent instructions conveyed during the meeting on November 20, 2025, may be treated as top priority. The requisite data should be provided by November 26, 2025, so it can be furnished to the Office of the Chief Secretary, GNCT of Delhi,” the notice stated.

The government emphasized that any claims connecting the circular to a stray dog census are entirely inaccurate and misinterpret the original instructions. The notice clarified: “The matter pertains to public safety and adherence to Supreme Court directions. Any claims linking this circular to a stray dog census are entirely false.”

This move aims to clarify confusion caused by misinformation and ensure that educational institutions and other establishments comply strictly with the safety measures outlined by the Delhi government.