New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In response to deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Delhi Directorate of Education has ordered schools to offer classes up to Class 5 through a hybrid learning arrangement, giving students the option of attending lessons online or physically.
The order, issued on Friday, covers all government schools, government-aided institutions and recognised private schools operating under the Directorate of Education. Schools managed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Cantonment Board have also been brought under the directive.
Under the revised arrangement, students from nursery-level classes up to Class 5 can continue their education either by attending school in person or joining lessons remotely.
The Education Directorate said the measure follows directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which has enforced all restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
The move comes amid rising concerns over the impact of hazardous air pollution on children’s health, particularly younger students. The hybrid system is intended to provide families with an alternative to physical attendance while schools continue academic activities.
