The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed the Delhi government to adopt a hybrid teaching model for schools and colleges, allowing a combination of physical and online classes where feasible.
This decision follows the Supreme Court’s directive to evaluate the reopening of physical classes in the Delhi-NCR region. The court highlighted that, given the absence of air purifiers in most homes, there was little difference between students staying indoors and attending school. Concerns about students missing mid-day meals and limited access to online classes due to resource constraints were also addressed.
The CAQM has eased certain restrictions under Stages 3 and 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), facilitating educational institutions to operate in hybrid mode. It further advised regional governments to decide on implementing this approach.
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Despite the Supreme Court’s refusal to relax GRAP IV restrictions for Delhi on Monday, it urged the CAQM to consider measures specifically benefiting students. As a result, educational institutions can now balance in-person and virtual learning to ensure minimal disruption to education amidst ongoing air quality concerns.
