Delhi Govt Orders Online Classes for Students up to Class V Due to Poor Air Quality

With air quality in the national capital slipping into the dangerous zone, the Delhi government has ordered all schools to conduct online classes for students up to Class V. The move comes as authorities step up emergency measures to limit children's exposure to toxic air.

GRAP Stage 4 Triggered as Pollution Worsens

The latest decision follows the enforcement of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, which brings the strictest set of curbs to combat severe air pollution. Officials said the measures were necessary as pollution levels continued to rise despite earlier interventions.

Hybrid System Allowed Just a Day Earlier

Just a day before the new order, the Delhi Directorate of Education had permitted schools to function in a hybrid format. This arrangement allowed a combination of physical and online classes for several grades, depending on feasibility.

Circular Covered Schools Across Multiple Authorities

A circular issued on December 13 directed heads of government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board to hold classes up to Class IX and Class XI in hybrid mode. The guidelines applied wherever online teaching infrastructure was available.

Younger Students Moved Fully Online

Under the hybrid arrangement, schools remained open and attendance in online classes was optional, with the decision left to parents or guardians. However, as air quality deteriorated further, the government tightened norms for younger children, mandating that all students up to Class V shift completely to online classes until further orders.