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In response to a recent Supreme Court directive, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced the relaxation of certain restrictions under Stage-III and Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for educational institutions. This decision will impact schools and colleges across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), with a shift to hybrid learning to balance air quality concerns and educational needs.

Hybrid Classes to Address Educational Disruptions

The decision follows the Supreme Court's November 25th order, which highlighted the challenges faced by students due to the closure of schools under the GRAP restrictions. Many students have been unable to access mid-day meals or participate in online education due to a lack of resources, including air purifiers and internet access at home.

To address these issues, the CAQM has relaxed specific clauses of the GRAP, allowing schools to conduct classes for students up to the 12th grade in a "hybrid" mode. This will combine both physical and online teaching, providing greater flexibility for students who are unable to attend in person due to poor air quality. The new policy applies to schools and colleges in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar in the NCR.

Students’ Health and Education in Focus

The move to hybrid classes is aimed at alleviating the strain on students, especially those in critical academic years such as Class X and XII, who face board exams and other important assessments. The CAQM noted that many schools in Delhi and the NCR do not have the infrastructure for fully online education, making physical attendance essential for practical exams and hands-on learning.

By offering both in-person and online options, the CAQM hopes to ensure that students’ health is safeguarded without compromising their education. The decision also considers the prolonged winter months when air pollution levels in Delhi and surrounding areas typically reach hazardous levels, necessitating the continued enforcement of GRAP measures.