In response to the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Delhi government has taken a decisive step to protect students' health. The Directorate of Education has mandated a shift from hybrid to completely online classes for all school grades.
Directive Issued Amid Hazardous Air
The official order was issued by the education department on December 13, 2025. This move comes as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to hover in the 'severe' to 'hazardous' categories, posing significant health risks, especially to children. The directive effectively suspends all in-person teaching for the foreseeable future.
What the New Order Means for Schools
Previously, many schools were operating in a hybrid mode, combining some offline and online sessions. The latest instruction removes the offline component entirely. All classes for the remaining grades will now be conducted exclusively in online mode until further notice. This decision underscores the administration's concern over the persistent smog enveloping the city.
The shift is a precautionary measure aimed at minimizing children's exposure to toxic pollutants. Health experts have repeatedly warned that poor air quality can lead to respiratory illnesses and other long-term health complications in young people.
Broader Implications and Public Response
This is not the first time Delhi has resorted to such measures during the peak pollution season in winter. However, the specific directive to move all grades online highlights the severity of the current situation. Parents and school administrations are now tasked with ensuring a smooth transition to digital learning platforms.
While the move is widely seen as necessary for public health, it also brings challenges related to digital access and the effectiveness of remote learning for all student groups. The authorities have urged schools to ensure that the academic calendar is not severely disrupted despite the change in medium.
The city's battle with air pollution remains a critical issue, with factors like vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal stubble burning contributing to the crisis. The school closure order is part of a larger set of emergency measures often implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
