Schools in Delhi-NCR to Reopen in Hybrid Mode from Tomorrow, New Guidelines Announced
Amid Delhi-NCR's air pollution, authorities are considering reopening schools. The CAQM has issued detailed guidelines, including a hybrid mode system for classes.
When Will Delhi-NCR Schools Open? As Pollution Levels Rise
When schools in Delhi-NCR will open remains an open question, considering the severe air pollution the area is facing. Though schools and parents are keen to re-open schools, immense health-related concerns persist due to prolonged pollution. Parents are caught between the pressure of ensuring their children's education and the fear of exposing them to hazardous air quality. As a precautionary measure, schools have advised students to wear masks and minimize outdoor activities.
Supreme Court's Stand on School Reopenings
The Supreme Court waded in on the issue Monday and hinted at a possible decision on reopening schools soon. But the court expressed concern that the GRAP Phase 4 guidelines were not adhered to and stopped the authorities from going scot-free without following proper safety procedures. This has cast such doubts on school reopening anytime soon that the strict enforcement of pollution control measures remains an issue in hand.
School Preparations Amid Uncertainty
Despite the hazard, most schools in Delhi-NCR have begun to prepare to reopen. Pollution, however, has continued to halt most of the school activities, such as annual functions, sports days, and other events that took place during this period. Schools are now preparing to welcome back students with more added safety protocols at hand: mandatory mask-wearing within and outside the school compound as well as having the parents and students to take mass transport whenever possible.
What's Next for Schools?
To address the issue, the Supreme Court has constituted a committee to decide in the next 24 hours if schools should re-open. Now with schools around the nook and corner already approaching half-yearly exams in December, experts express an opinion that the schools would likely reopen in hybrid mode or even with physical classes under strict guidelines. The committee will also have to take on board the potential erosion of learning with continued online classes and health risks from pollution.
As this crisis continues to haunt the Delhi-NCR, it remains to be seen how schools respond to both air pollution and an inherently broken education system.
