![[Air Pollution] "Hybrid Mode For Classes Up To 12th Grade": SC Directs Delhi-NCR Schools to Adopt Both Physical & Online Classes](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-27.jpg?fit=648%2C518&ssl=1)
Delhi schools have been advised to shift to a “hybrid mode” of learning following the Supreme Court’s observations. The court urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider reopening physical classes, highlighting concerns about students missing mid-day meals and lacking resources for online education. The move aims to address educational and nutritional gaps.
New Delhi: The Delhi government instructed all government, private, and civic body-run schools to implement “hybrid mode” classes both online and offline immediately.
This decision followed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announcing relaxations under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address educational disruptions caused by poor air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Previously, all schools in the NCR had transitioned to online classes on October 18 due to worsening air quality. On the same day, the Supreme Court urged the CAQM to consider resuming physical classes in schools and colleges, highlighting that many students were missing out on mid-day meals and lacked the necessary infrastructure for online learning.
According to a notification from the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of Delhi, the GRAP clauses related to education have been relaxed.
It states,
“Clause 11 of GRAP Stage-III, Clause 5 of GRAP Stage-IV, and Clause 8 of GRAP Stage-IV (as it pertains to colleges and educational institutions) are relaxed to the extent that State Governments in the NCR and GNCTD shall ensure that all classes up to 12th Standard in schools and those in colleges/educational institutions are conducted in a ‘hybrid’ mode, i.e., both in ‘physical’ and ‘online’ mode, where online learning is feasible. The choice to utilize online education, where available, will lie with the students and their guardians.”
The notification further directed all Heads of Schools government, aided, and private recognized institutions to ensure compliance with this order immediately until further notice.
The CAQM’s announcement allows educational institutions to operate classes in a “hybrid” format, enabling students to attend in person or online.
The Supreme Court had urged the CAQM to reassess GRAP restrictions concerning their impact on education, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing students’ needs.
The court noted,
“A large number of students are being deprived of mid-day meals as schools and anganwadis remain closed. Furthermore, many students lack the facilities needed for online education, and numerous educational institutions do not have the capacity to provide it,”
The court further remarked,
“Many students’ homes lack air purifiers, meaning there may be little difference between children studying at home and those attending school.”
The air quality in the Capital remained concerning on Monday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 349, up from 318 the day before, as reported in the Central Pollution Control Board’s 4 PM bulletin.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
