NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday allowed Delhi-NCR schools to conduct classes in a “hybrid mode,” combining physical and online sessions wherever feasible, in response to Supreme Court directives.
The decision comes amid hazardous air quality in the region due to persistent smog. “State governments in the NCR shall ensure that all classes up to 12th standard are conducted in a ‘hybrid’ mode, both ‘physical’ and ‘online,’ wherever online mode is feasible,” the CAQM order stated.It added that the choice of online learning would rest with students and their guardians.
This relaxation applies to Clauses 5 and 8 of Stage-IV and Clause 11 of Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Supreme Court had earlier raised concerns about students’ access to online education, mid-day meals, and air purification at home, urging CAQM to address these challenges.
The CAQM highlighted the particular impact of GRAP Stage-IV restrictions on students in Grades 10 and 12, who require physical attendance for board exams and practical classes. “Students of classes X and XII are most impacted…due to Board examinations and practicals,” the panel noted.
The hybrid model will apply to Delhi and NCR districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. State governments in other NCR areas may also implement similar measures.
Separately, the Supreme Court refused to relax other GRAP-4 restrictions, including the construction ban and truck entry curbs, until a sustained improvement in air quality is observed. The court criticised authorities for failing to enforce these measures, particularly targeting the Delhi government and city police.
Air quality in Delhi has slightly improved, with AQI levels dipping below 300 on Monday, though pollution remains in the “poor” category. Residents, especially children and the elderly, are advised to continue precautions against harmful pollutants.
While schools have resumed online classes, no clear timeline has been provided for the full reopening of physical classrooms.