After the air quality reached critical levels in Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has taken a big decision. With the aim of protecting children from increasing pollution and maintaining continuity of education, instructions have been issued to conduct studies in hybrid mode for classes 1 to 9 and class 11 in all the schools of the capital. This order has come into effect with immediate effect and will remain in effect until further notice.
This instruction will be applicable to all government, government-aided and recognized private schools under the Delhi government, including DoE, NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board schools. Schools have been asked to provide a mixed option of physical and online classes where online learning facilities are available. The Directorate of Education clarified in its official notice that students and their parents will get the option to attend classes through online medium.
In view of the pollution situation, this decision has been taken at a time when the air quality in the National Capital Region is continuously deteriorating. Especially it is feared that it will have a serious impact on the health of children, keeping this in mind, efforts are being made to reduce attendance in schools.
The decision for hybrid mode in schools comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under this phase, strict restrictions have been implemented in Delhi-NCR to prevent further increase in pollution.
Earlier, hybrid classes till Class 5 were implemented under Stage-III of GRAP as pollution increased and construction and demolition activities were banned. However, adverse meteorological conditions worsened the situation, necessitating Stage-IV.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 431 on Saturday, the worst level so far this year. Earlier on November 11, AQI 428 was recorded. The Air Quality Early Warning System has warned that AQI may remain in the ‘severe’ category on Sunday as well, which may further increase the risk to people’s health.
Strict instructions have been issued for schools as well as offices. Delhi government has ordered to limit physical attendance in both government and private offices to 50 percent. The remaining employees will have to work from home. However, administrative secretaries and department heads have been asked to come to the office regularly.
Private offices have also been instructed to adopt staggered timing and keep vehicle movement to and from office to a minimum. Departments related to essential and emergency services like hospitals, fire service, public transport, electricity-water supply, sanitation, disaster management and pollution control have been exempted from these restrictions.
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