New Delhi: The Education Department on Tuesday has directed all schools to conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect following the directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Stage 3.
The order issued by Director of Education Veditha Reddy, IAS, cites the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the activation of Stage III (Severe) measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
“Accordingly, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decide to invoke all actions under Stage-IlI (‘Severe’ Air Quality of Delhi of extant schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi NCR, in addition to the Stage-l and Il actions already in force.”
According to the education department circular, all Government, Government Aided, and Unaided Recognized Private Schools under the Directorate of Education, New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Cantonment Board have been instructed to conduct classes in a hybrid format combining online and offline teaching until further orders.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that GRAP 3 has been implemented and all safety measures have been taken. Schools up to class 5 will follow a hybrid system, with both online and physical classes.
Schools have also been directed to inform parents and guardians immediately about this transition.
The decision comes as Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) continues to remain in the ‘severe’ category, prompting authorities to enforce stricter measures to protect public health, particularly that of young children.
Officials have been asked to ensure strict compliance, and the order has been circulated to all education departments and boards concerned for immediate implementation.
