Delhi shifts primary classes to hybrid mode as air quality worsens

Shift to Hybrid Classes

Schools across Delhi must shift classes up to class 5 to hybrid mode due to worsening air quality in the national capital. The Delhi Directorate of Education issued this order on Friday to cover all government, government-aided, and unaided recognized private schools. Institutions run by the NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board are also included in the directive. Students in these primary grades can now choose to attend classes either in person or online.

Official Orders and Checks

This decision follows an order from the Commission for Air Quality Management. The commission invoked all actions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan with immediate effect across the Delhi-NCR region. The city recorded an air quality index reading of 364 on Saturday, placing it in the very poor category according to the CPCB Sameer App. School heads must immediately inform parents and guardians about the new hybrid setup.

Context

Authorities often restrict physical classes for young children when pollution levels spike to protect them from harmful air. The Graded Response Action Plan sets emergency measures that cities must follow when air quality drops to severe levels.