Delhi-NCR schools shift to hybrid teaching up to class 5 as air quality worsens

Schools in the Delhi-NCR region have been instructed to shift classes up to Grade 5 to a hybrid format immediately, following worsening air quality and the activation of Stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Education Department issued a directive on Tuesday after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked severe-level restrictions under GRAP.

The order, signed by Director of Education Veditha Reddy, IAS, cited the rapid decline in air quality across the National Capital Region.

"Accordingly, in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality, the Sub Committee on GRAP hereby decides to invoke all actions under Stage-III ('Severe' Air Quality of Delhi) of the extant schedule of GRAP, with immediate effect in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in Delhi NCR, in addition to the Stage-I and II actions already in force," the circular stated.

All government, government-aided, and private schools recognized by the Directorate of Education, the New Delhi Municipal Council, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the Delhi Cantonment Board have been asked to adopt a mix of online and offline classes until further notice.

Schools have also been told to notify parents and guardians about the change immediately.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that GRAP Stage 3 has been implemented and necessary safety precautions are in place.

“Schools up to class 5 will follow a hybrid system, with both online and physical classes,” she said.

The move comes as Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) continues to stay in the ‘severe’ category, prompting the government to tighten measures to safeguard public health, especially among young children.

Authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement, and the order has been circulated to all education departments and boards for immediate compliance.