The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised the provisions under Stages 3 and 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) regarding the functioning of schools in Delhi and NCR. Instead of mandating only online classes during severe pollution conditions, schools can now operate in a hybrid mode, combining physical and online options.
Key Highlights of the Revised Guidelines:
- Hybrid Learning Model:
- Classes up to 12th standard can be conducted both physically and online.
- The choice to attend online classes, where feasible, lies with students and their guardians.
- State governments in Delhi-NCR must implement the hybrid model in Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, with similar considerations for other areas.
- Reason for Revision:
- Acknowledgement of challenges in enforcing purely online classes, especially in primary schools lacking digital access.
- Consideration of the needs of Class 10 and 12 students, who face board exams and require physical attendance for practical and tutorial sessions.
- Supreme Court Intervention:
- The revision follows a Supreme Court directive urging CAQM to reconsider restrictions on physical classes, emphasizing the impracticality of a complete shift to online learning.
- Flexibility for State Governments:
- Initially, GRAP Stage 4 mandated physical school closures, but implementation was at the discretion of state governments. The new hybrid mode provides a balanced approach.
Rationale:
- Board Exam and Competitive Exam Preparation:
- Physical attendance is critical for practical exams and tutorials.
- Digital Divide:
- Many schools and students in Delhi-NCR lack the infrastructure for exclusive online classes.
Next Steps for Schools:
- Implement hybrid teaching mechanisms immediately.
- Ensure that online learning resources are accessible for students opting for remote education.
- Work with state governments to adapt to pollution-related restrictions while minimizing academic disruptions.
This revision aims to balance public health concerns with the academic needs of students, particularly those in critical examination years.
