Delhi schools shift from hybrid to online classes for students up to Class V as pollution turns severe

THE Delhi government has directed schools to shift from a hybrid to an online mode for students up to Class V, in view of pollution, PTI reported, citing an official order.

According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education, physical classes for students of nursery to Class 5 in all government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools in Delhi have been discontinued until further notice.

Earlier report:

AIR quality in the national capital remained severe for the third straight day on Monday, with heavy smog engulfing parts of Delhi-NCR.

In view of the worsening pollution, GRAP-IV measures have been implemented, and offices have been directed to function at 50% capacity.

Schools, meanwhile, are not completely closed.

Here is a detailed look at whether schools are open or closed in Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida.

Delhi:

In Delhi, the Directorate of Education issued a circular, calling on all government, government-aided and recognized private schools to immediately start conducting classes for children up to Class IX and Class XI in a "hybrid" mode, with both physical and online modes being available for students.

Class X and XII classes will continue as usual, it is understood.

"The option to exercise the online mode of education, wherever available, shall vest with the students and their guardians," the circular read.

Further, all outdoor activities, including sports, assemblies, and physical activities, are suspended.

Noida and Greater Noida

In Gautam Buddh Nagar, the Office of the District Inspector of Schools issued an order directing Classes Pre-Nursery to V to be held in online mode.

Classes VI to IX and Class XI students, meanwhile, will see hybrid sessions, with both physical and online modes available wherever feasible.

The order is valid for Noida and Greater Noida.

Ghaziabad

The Office of the District Inspector of Schools in Ghaziabad also issued an identical order as the one issued by Gautam Buddh Nagar authorities.