Schools In Delhi-NCR To Go In Hybrid Mode After Supreme Court Directive On Air Pollution

Delhi-NCR Pollution: Schools and colleges are directed to adopt a hybrid education model, combining physical and online classes. The Supreme Court had urged the CAQM to consider the same.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday mandated a hybrid mode of education for schools and colleges in Delhi-NCR, balancing students’ health with educational needs amid persistent air pollution concerns. The directive follows the Supreme Court’s observation regarding the challenges faced by students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, during prolonged school closures.  

The CAQM’s order stated: “All classes up to 12th Standard in schools and those in colleges/educational institutions are to be conducted in a hybrid mode, i.e., both in physical and online modes, wherever online mode is feasible. The option to exercise online education, wherever available, shall vest with the students and their guardians.”  

This directive applies to educational institutions in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and neighbouring NCR districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar. State governments in other NCR regions have also been urged to consider the hybrid model.  

The Supreme Court, while refusing to relax anti-pollution GRAP-4 restrictions, had urged the CAQM to consider the plight of students missing mid-day meals and struggling with inadequate online learning infrastructure. The court noted, “Many educational institutions do not have facilities to provide online education, and residences of many students do not have air purifiers, making little difference between sitting at home and attending school.”  

Delhi Schools Issues Norms To Tackle Pollution Impact Amid Resumption Of Physical Classes

Delhi schools have already begun preparations to comply with the order. According to news agency PTI, Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School, Dwarka, said, “We have prepared an advisory urging students to wear masks on campus and carpool to reduce emissions. All major events, including annual day and sports day, have been postponed to February.”  

Rajesh Hassija, principal of Indraprastha School, emphasised measures to reduce pollution exposure. “Masks are mandatory, and outdoor activities have been curtailed to prevent breathing issues. Morning assemblies are now held indoors, and yoga sessions have been paused,” he noted, as quoted by PTI.  

Vividh Gupta, principal of Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar, outlined additional precautions. “To minimise dust, the school campus is sprinkled with water twice a day, and during free periods, students will engage in indoor activities like chess, carrom, and painting. Parents are advised to send children in full-sleeve uniforms and masks,” he said.  

Parents remain divided over the decision. Aprajita Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents' Association, remarked, “It feels like a no-win situation. Sending children to school risks their health, while keeping them home denies them essential in-person learning.”  

The CAQM acknowledged the unique challenges faced by class X and XII students, who require physical attendance for practical sessions and board exam preparations. The Commission assured wide publicity of the directive for immediate implementation.  

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