The Haryana Government has issued an order for the temporary closure of schools up to Class 5 due to rising air pollution. The Directorate of School Education has sent a letter to all District Deputy Commissioners, stating that, given the severe AQI levels in Delhi and surrounding regions, the directorate should issue necessary directions to conduct online classes for students up to Class 5 in both government and private schools, in the interest of students’ health and safety.
The order reads, ‘The government has decided that the concerned Deputy Commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation (as per the GRAP) in view of the severe AQI levels in Delhi and surrounding regions and may discontinue physical classes and issue necessary directions for holding online classes for upto Class 5th in schools in the interest of the health and safety of the students.’
Students, parents, and guardians are advised to stay in regular contact with the respective school authorities for updates on online classes.
Earlier this week, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also announced the closure of the primary schools and the shift to online classes until further notice. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has instructed all government, private, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)-run schools to suspend offline classes for these students.
