(Image source from: Ddnews.gov.in)
The Delhi government has directed all schools, including government, private, and those run by civic bodies, to hold classes in a hybrid format, combining online and offline instruction, effective immediately. This decision comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced relaxations under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to minimize disruptions to education caused by poor air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). Previously, all schools in the NCR had shifted to online classes on October 18 due to the deteriorating air quality. The Supreme Court had also asked the CAQM to consider resuming in-person classes in schools and colleges, noting that many students lacked the necessary resources for online learning, such as mid-day meals and infrastructure.
The Delhi government has announced that students and their guardians can choose to attend classes online, where available, in the National Capital Region (NCR) cities of Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. All schools under the Directorate of Education, including government-aided, private, and other schools, have been instructed to immediately implement this decision until further notice. Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has permitted educational institutions to operate in a "hybrid" format, allowing students to attend classes either in person or online, wherever online attendance is feasible. This comes after the Supreme Court directed the CAQM to review the restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), emphasizing the need to prioritize education and expressing concerns about the large number of students being deprived of mid-day meals due to school closures.
Many students lack the resources to benefit from online learning. Similarly, numerous educational institutions lack the capabilities to offer online education, the court stated. The court noted that many students' homes lack air purifiers, so there may not be a significant difference between children staying at home and those attending school. On Monday, Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) increased to 349 from 318 the previous day, indicating a concerning air quality situation, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board's 4pm update.
