Delhi School Reopen: Physical Classes Resume After Air Quality Restrictions Eased

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that physical classes will resume in all government and private schools across Delhi, according to the Times Now report. This decision follows the Supreme Court's approval for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to downgrade the air quality restrictions to Stage Two under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

According to a circular issued by the DoE on Thursday, all government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD, and Delhi Cantonment Board are required to resume physical classes immediately. This includes all levels of education across various institutions.

The Supreme Court's approval to implement Stage Two restrictions has led to the easing of several measures that were previously in place under Stage Four. One of the major relaxations includes lifting the ban on diesel-run medium and heavy vehicles (BS-IV or below) registered in Delhi, except for those carrying essential goods.

Earlier this year, due to the 'severe plus' air quality index in Delhi, all in-person classes were moved online starting November 17, with exceptions made only for students in classes X and XII. However, the following day, offline classes for classes X and XII were also switched to an online format.

With the resumption of physical classes, the decision reflects a broader relaxation of regulations, aimed at restoring normalcy while continuing to address the city's air quality concerns. This move will come as a relief to both students and parents who had been adjusting to online education for weeks.