Schools, colleges and educational institutions in Delhi-NCR to be opened in a phased manner: CAQM

Resumption of physical classes in schools (standard VI onwards), colleges, educational institutions, skill development & training institutes, other training institutes and libraries with immediate effect

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) today reviewed the restrictions imposed on the opening of schools, colleges and educational institutions vide its Direction No. 46 dated 02/12/2021.

The Commission today directed all the State Governments of NCR and GNCTD to follow a phased re-opening approach in respect of schools, colleges and educational institutions located within the NCR. State Governments of NCR and GNCTD have been advised to take immediate decisions for the resumption of physical classes in schools (standard VI onwards), colleges, educational institutions, skill development & training institutes, other training institutes and libraries.

The Commission also directed the State Governments of NCR and GNCTD to take the decision for resumption of physical classes, for students up to V standard, w.e.f. 27th December 2021, duly considering the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the winter vacation schedule.

The Commission had earlier informed the Hon’ble Supreme Court that a decision on re-opening of schools, colleges and educational institutions, will be taken by 17/12/2021.

The Commission vide Direction No. 44 dated 16/11/2021 directed that “all public and private schools colleges and educational institutions shall remain closed until further orders allowing only online mode of education”.

Further, the Commission via Direction No. 45 dated 25/11/2021 had decided that “the NCR States and GNCT of Delhi may take appropriate decisions for resumption of physical classes in schools, colleges and educational institutions in the NCR.  However, wherever the State Governments / GNCTD opt to continue with online mode of education, such schools/colleges / educational institutions shall be permitted to open for the purpose of the conduct of examination and practical etc.”

Subsequently, the Commission vide Direction No. 46 dated 02/12/2021 directed that “All Schools, Colleges and Educational Institutions in the NCR shall remain closed, allowing only online mode of education, except for the purpose of the conduct of examinations and laboratory practical etc.”

A large number of representations were received by the Commission arguing the compelling necessity to open the schools and educational institutions with immediate effect. Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Commission examined the requests of various organizations regarding relaxations on restrictions imposed.

Taking into consideration the submissions made and in light of improvement of Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi from ‘Severe’ to ‘Very Poor’ category, the Commission via its Direction No. 50 today directed the State Governments of NCR and GNCTD to re-open schools, colleges and educational institutions in a phased manner