The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday mandated a hybrid mode of education for schools and colleges in Delhi-NCR, balancing students’ health with educational needs amid persistent air pollution concerns.

The Supreme Court on Monday (25 November) ordered the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to review its decision to close schools in Delhi-NCR, particularly for Classes 10 to 12, in light of concerns over access to mid-day meals and air quality at home.

The Supreme Court has urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider reopening schools in Delhi-NCR, noting many students were missing mid-day meals and were unable to fully access virtual classes due to limited digital resources.

The apex court said, "Students are missing mid-day meals, and many don't have the means to attend virtual classes. This cannot continue."

Delhi schools are preparing to resume physical classes after the Supreme Court's suggestion, implementing various measures. However, parents remain divided on the move.

The Supreme Court upheld GRAP-4 restrictions, directing states to utilise labour cess for worker support during the construction ban. It criticized the Delhi government's non-compliance with truck entry restrictions and instructed CAQM to take action.

Schools across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad remained closed due to hazardous air pollution on Monday. Online classes continue while authorities continue to monitor AQI levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) indicated some improvement on Monday and is anticipated to get better in the days ahead.

Class 12th will remain discontinued till 25.11.2024 in all areas (urban as well as rural) of District Gurugram, Online classes will be conducted in lieu of physical classes, in all Government & Private Schools in ‘Gurugram for above mentioned classes,

Schools in Delhi remain closed due to poor air quality, as no further notice has been issued regarding their reopening. The suspension of physical classes, which includes Class X and XII students, follows a government directive in response to hazardous AQI levels.