Gujarat govt’s impractical dog census order sparks anger among talatis

In Gujarat, the state government’s latest circular on stray dog management has triggered resentment among talatis, who say they have been burdened with an impractical responsibility. 

Acting on Supreme Court directions issued in the wake of rising dog bite cases, the government has instructed talatis to identify and list stray dogs in their villages — including separating them by gender and locating where each dog “usually stays”.

The circular requires talatis to prepare lists of public places where stray dogs are often seen and ensure that each gram panchayat sets up designated feeding zones.

But talatis say the new order ignores their already heavy workload. They point out that they currently handle village administration, revenue duties, birth and death registrations, disaster management and agricultural assistance — often across two or three villages at a time. Identifying male and female dogs, they argue, isn’t just outside their training but also undermines their morale.

The Gujarat Rajya Talati-Mantri Mahamandal has issued an ultimatum, warning that if the government does not withdraw circular, they will be compelled to stage protests and sit-in demonstrations.