Schools across Noida and Greater Noida have been directed to implement a hybrid learning model for students up to Class 5, beginning Thursday. The mandate, which requires institutions to offer both online and physical classroom sessions, comes in response to the activation of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region.
District Basic Education Officer Rahul Pawar confirmed that the directive applies to all government, government-aided, and recognized private schools within the Gautam Buddh Nagar district. The order was issued on November 7 in compliance with instructions provided by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 6. Under these guidelines, schools are permitted to conduct physical classes while simultaneously offering online lessons, provided the technical infrastructure is available.
Local education authorities have instructed school managers and principals to ensure immediate implementation of these measures. The district administration has warned that any failure to comply with the directive or instances of negligence may result in disciplinary action against the schools involved.
Key facts
- The hybrid learning mandate applies to students up to Class 5 in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
- The order was issued by the District Basic Education Officer following CAQM guidelines.
- Noida recorded a 24-hour average Air Quality Index of 291, while Greater Noida recorded 257.
- Real-time air quality in certain parts of Noida exceeded 300, reaching the 'very poor' category.
- Schools are required to offer online options for students wherever the facility is feasible.
Why it matters
The move to hybrid education aims to reduce the exposure of younger students to poor air quality, which has been fluctuating in the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories across the National Capital Region. By allowing a shift to home-based learning, authorities seek to mitigate health risks associated with the hazardous levels of particulate matter currently affecting the region.
Source: News18
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