Delhi-NCR schools up to Class 5 shift to hybrid mode
Schools in Delhi and five neighbouring NCR cities must offer online and in-person learning as air pollution levels deteriorate.
Schools in Delhi and five neighbouring NCR cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram and Sonipat, have been directed to conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode, according to reports by The Times of India and Business Today.
The decision follows the invocation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as air pollution levels worsened. The hybrid arrangement makes it compulsory for schools to provide a combination of online and offline classes, allowing parents and students to choose their preferred mode of education.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision on Friday, stating it is a precautionary response to the deteriorating pollution situation. He cautioned that weather conditions could worsen as wind speeds are expected to fall, which may prevent pollutants from dispersing.
The directive applies to all government, government-aided, and private schools, including those run by the New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Cantonment Board. The order does not include students in Classes 6 to 12.
The Education Directorate has instructed school heads to inform parents and guardians about the available options immediately. District education deputy directors have been assigned to monitor compliance within their respective areas to ensure the instructions are implemented smoothly.