Delhi-NCR Pollution: Gurugram Schools Ordered To Switch To Online Learning Up To Class 5 Till Further Notice

Earlier today, the Delhi government in an official order directed all schools in Delhi to switch to the online mode except for Classes 10 and 12, till November 10, 2023.

Offline classes in Gurugram schools suspended till Class 5 due to severe pollution (Representational Image)

Source : Getty

Amid the deteriorating AQI (Air Quality Index) due to the severe air pollution in the national capital region, the Gurugram district administration has directed all schools in Gurugram to suspend physical offline classes till class 5. All private and public schools in Gurugram have been directed to switch to online learning mode for students up to class 5, till further notice. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, released an official order today directing the closure of schools in Gurugram, besides underlining other measures to curb the rise of the pollution. 

“All Pre School, Pre Primary & Primary classes (i.e. Nursery to class V) in physical form are ordered to be discontinued from 7" November, 2023 till further orders in Gurugram district. This applies to both Private and Govt. Schools,” reads the order.

“Schools shall adopt online mode for conducting lessons for students up to Grade 5. School Management, Teachers and staff are encouraged to make necessary arrangements for the seamless delivery of online education. Further, Schools are directed to ensure that students have access to the required online learning resources and that parents and guardians are kept informed about the mode of instruction. The suspension of offline classes will remain in effect until further orders. The situation will be continuously monitored, and decisions regarding the resumption of offline classes will be made based on the prevailing air quality conditions and government directives,” the order further reads. 

In the meantime, Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Vikram Singh has also directed closure of all schools in Faridabad from October 7 to October 12, 2023, as reported by PTI. Notably, in the light of the deteriorating air pollution in the national capital, Delhi's air quality entered the 'severe plus' category due to unfavourable wind conditions, increased farm fires in north India, and other local pollution sources. In addition to all actions under Stage I, II, and III to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday decided to invoke Stage IV of the GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect. 

With severe pollution on the rise, Delhi Minister of Education, P.W.D, Culture and Tourism, Atishi, on Sunday, announced the further closure of primary schools in Delhi (till class 5) till November 10, 2023. Earlier today, the Government of Delhi released an official order directing all schools in the national capital to run classes in the online mode, except for Class 10 and 12, till November 10, 2023.