Delhi and five NCR cities have made hybrid learning compulsory for students up to Class 5 after worsening air quality triggered Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan, giving children the option of attending school physically or studying online.
The directive covers schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram and Sonipat. It applies to government and private institutions, and schools cannot independently decide whether to implement the arrangement while the GRAP-3 restrictions remain in force.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the decision as air quality across the Delhi-NCR region deteriorated into the severe category. The measure has been presented as a precaution intended to reduce young children’s exposure to polluted outdoor air while allowing schooling to continue through online and offline modes.
Under the arrangement, schools must provide eligible students with both options where online facilities are available. Children may attend classes on campus or participate remotely, depending on the arrangements made by their institutions. The order covers all schools conducting classes up to Class 5.
The Air Quality Management Commission issued directions on November 6 requiring hybrid classes for students up to Class 5 in all districts falling within the National Capital Region. The directions state that schools with online facilities should offer students a choice between online learning and physical attendance.
In Gautam Buddh Nagar, District Basic Education Officer Rahul Panwar issued an order to principals and managers of all government, aided and recognised schools. The order required immediate compliance and covers primary schools serving students up to Class 5.
Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar also directed schools to conduct classes for students up to Class 5 in hybrid mode. The district’s instruction applies to government and private schools and remains linked to the prevailing air-pollution situation and GRAP restrictions.
The Ghaziabad administration has also ordered all government and private construction and demolition projects to remain closed until November 20. The Municipal Corporation, Ghaziabad Development Authority, municipalities, Housing and Development Council and Public Works Department have been directed to form at least five enforcement teams each to ensure compliance.
The school directive will remain applicable for as long as Stage 3 restrictions under GRAP continue. The measures place responsibility on school managements to maintain both physical and online learning arrangements while district and civic authorities oversee implementation.
