New Delhi: The Delhi government has ordered schools to offer both online and physical classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11. This decision comes because of very bad air pollution in the city. The new rule, called 'hybrid mode' of teaching, started right away. It will continue until the government announces further changes.
Why Schools Are Going Hybrid
The main reason for this change is the severe air pollution in Delhi. The air quality has become so poor that it is now in the 'Severe+' category on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI measures how clean or polluted the air is. When it is 'Severe+', the air is very harmful to breathe, especially for children and young people. Breathing such air can cause health problems like coughing, breathing difficulties, and other serious issues. To protect students from this harmful air, the government has taken action.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP is a plan with different levels of actions to control pollution. Stage-IV is the highest level, meaning the pollution is at an emergency level. When GRAP Stage-IV is in effect, many strict rules are put in place across the city to reduce pollution. These rules include stopping certain construction work and other activities that cause pollution. For schools, it means students need safer options for learning.
What 'Hybrid Mode' Means
Hybrid mode means that schools will offer two ways for students to attend classes: they can come to school physically, or they can attend classes online from home. This gives families a choice based on their comfort and safety. This option is available wherever schools have the technology and setup for online teaching.
The Delhi government's Directorate of Education (DoE) has sent out a notice about this. This notice applies to all types of schools in Delhi:
- Government schools
- Government-aided schools
- Unaided recognised private schools
- Schools under New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
- Schools under Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Schools under Delhi Cantonment Board
The order covers students from Nursery up to Class 9, and also students of Class 11. Students of Class 10 and Class 12 are not included in this order. They will continue with physical classes.
Choice for Students and Parents
The government has made it clear that the choice to attend classes online is completely up to the students and their parents or guardians. If a school has facilities for online classes, students can choose to study from home. Schools have been told to inform all parents right away about this new rule and the option for online classes.
Checking the Rules
To make sure all schools follow these instructions properly, Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) will visit schools in their areas. They will check if schools are offering both physical and online classes as ordered and if parents have been informed. This ensures that the rules are put into practice correctly and students' safety is given priority.
Next Steps
This hybrid teaching mode will continue until the air pollution levels improve and the government issues a new order. Students, parents, and schools should stay updated with official announcements regarding any further changes to class schedules or modes of teaching.
