Delhi government shifts schools to online mode for students up to Class 5.

By John Pranay (Editor)

Delhi, India, is grappling with severe air pollution, prompting the government to take drastic measures. On Monday, the Delhi government directed schools to shift from a hybrid system to fully online classes for students up to Class 5. This decision comes as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 427, classified as 'severe'. The move aims to protect younger students from the adverse effects of air pollution. The government has also suspended offline classes for students from nursery to Class 5 in all schools until further notice.

The sequence of events began on Saturday when the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. The AQI neared the 'severe plus' mark of 450, prompting the government to take action. On Monday, the Delhi government's Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a circular directing schools to conduct classes in a hybrid mode for students up to Class IX and XI. However, due to the worsening air quality, the government decided to shift to online classes for students up to Class 5. Education Minister Ashish Sood termed the decision as a "preventative and necessary step" to protect younger students.

The decision to suspend offline classes for younger students will have a significant humanitarian impact. Parents and guardians will need to adapt to online learning, which may pose challenges for some families. The international community is also taking notice, with the Singapore High Commission directing its nationals to comply with the directives issued under GRAP. The Delhi High Court has also advised advocates and parties-in-person to appear through videoconferencing in matters listed before it and the district courts due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The severe air pollution in Delhi is a recurring issue, and the government's decision to shift to online classes for younger students is a response to this crisis. The AQI is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category over the coming week, according to the Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi. The major factor behind the spike in air pollution is not emissions but a feeble western disturbance across north-west India. This prevailing meteorological condition has marked a reduction in wind speed, a shift in wind direction, and an increase in moisture content in the lower atmosphere.

Several risks are associated with the government's decision to shift to online classes for younger students. The lack of access to technology and internet connectivity may exacerbate the digital divide, particularly in low-income households. Moreover, the shift to online learning may put additional pressure on parents and guardians, who may need to take on more responsibilities in supporting their children's education. Regulatory risks also exist, as the government's decision may be challenged in court. Financial risks are also possible, as the government may need to invest in infrastructure and technology to support online learning.

This crisis highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing air pollution in Delhi. While the government's decision to shift to online classes for younger students is a necessary step, it is a temporary solution. The root cause of the problem lies in the prevailing meteorological conditions, which are beyond the government's control. Crucially, this overlooks the need for long-term solutions, such as investing in clean energy, improving public transportation, and promoting sustainable practices. This suggests that the government should focus on developing a more sustainable and equitable approach to addressing air pollution, rather than relying on short-term fixes.

Our internal tone gauge currently reads: Neutral for this development.

1. Schools closed: No hybrid mode, Delhi govt orders schools to adopt online classes for students up to Class V due to severe air pollution — https://news24online.com/cities/delhi-ncr/schools-closed-no-hybrid-mode-delhi-govt-orders-schools-to-adopt-online-classes-for-students-up-to-class-v-due-to-severe-air-pollution/688148/

2. Pollution woes: Delhi government directs schools to shift from hybrid to online mode up to Class-5 — https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/pollution-woes-delhi-government-directs-schools-to-shift-from-hybrid-to-online-mode-up-to-class-5/article70399574.ece

3. Delhi govt shuts offline mode, directs schools to shift online up to Class 5 amid pollution woes — https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-pollution-govt-school-online-classes-pollution-aqi-10421800/

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.