Delhi schools to hold hybrid classes for students up to Class 5
The directive follows the Commission for Air Quality Management invoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan due to rising pollution.
Delhi schools will conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode starting Saturday, November 7, according to reports from Urban Acres, Outlook, and The Economic Times. This arrangement allows parents and students to choose between online and in-person learning as air pollution levels rise in the capital.
The directive from the Directorate of Education applies to all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools. It also covers institutions run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Delhi Cantonment Board.
The decision follows the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The CAQM cited forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggesting the Air Quality Index (AQI) could slip into the 'severe' category.
On Saturday morning, Delhi's AQI stood at 364, remaining in the 'very poor' category. The CAQM noted that the AQI had reached 382, attributing the deterioration to unfavourable meteorological conditions preventing the dispersal of pollutants.
School heads have been instructed to inform parents and guardians about the available options. Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) have been assigned to visit schools in their respective districts to ensure the instructions are implemented smoothly.