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Delhi's Air Emergency: Schools Go Online as AQI Threatens Children's Health

Delhi has taken a decisive step to protect its youngest students from the dangerous air. All physical classes for kids up to fifth grade are now suspended and moving online. Education Minister Ashish Sood stressed that safeguarding children's health is the top concern behind this move. The government says it's a necessary precaution and they'll keep a close watch on the pollution levels.

Key Points: Delhi Shifts Nursery to Class V Online Amid Severe Air Pollution

  • Delhi suspends physical classes for Nursery to Class V over severe air pollution
  • Education shifts to online mode as a preventive health measure
  • Minister Ashish Sood says the government is continuously monitoring the AQI situation
  • Classes for students beyond Class V will continue as per previous directives
2 min read

Health of our children is highest priority: Delhi Education Minister Sood after schools upto class V go online following poor AQI

Delhi suspends physical classes for young students due to hazardous AQI. Education Minister Ashish Sood calls child health the "highest priority" as schools move online.

"The health and well-being of our children is our highest priority. - Education Minister Ashish Sood"

New Delhi, December 15

In view of the prevailing severe air pollution and consistently high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Delhi, the Government of NCT of Delhi has decided to discontinue physical classes for students from Nursery to Class V with immediate effect and until further orders.

As per the directions issued by the Directorate of Education, all Government, Government-Aided and Unaided Private Recognised Schools in Delhi shall conduct classes for students of Nursery to Class V only in online mode during this period.

According to the press release, emphasising the government's priority towards child safety, the Minister of Education, Ashish Sood, stated that the health and well-being of our children is our highest priority. In view of the hazardous AQI levels in Delhi, the government has decided to suspend physical classes for students up to Class V and shift them to online mode. This is a preventive and necessary step to protect young children from the adverse effects of air pollution. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will take further decisions in the best interest of students.

The decision has been taken keeping in mind the health and safety of young children, who are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. It is further clarified that classes beyond Class V shall continue to function as per the existing directions issued on 13th December 2025.

Sood also said that all Heads of Schools have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions and to immediately inform parents and guardians about the revised arrangements. Deputy Directors of Education (Zones/Districts) have also been instructed to closely monitor implementation and ensure smooth compliance. He further said that the Delhi Government remains committed to safeguarding the health of students while ensuring continuity of education through appropriate alternative modes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but what about the long-term solution? Every year it's the same story - smog, school closures, online classes. When will we see concrete action on stubble burning and vehicle pollution? The kids are suffering because of our failures.
S
Sarah B
As a working parent, online classes are a logistical nightmare. But I'd rather deal with that than have my child breathe this toxic air. The AQI is genuinely frightening. Hope the government also provides support to schools for better online infrastructure.
A
Aman W
What about children of classes 6 and above? Teenagers are also vulnerable. The decision seems arbitrary. Either all schools should close or none. This half-measure doesn't make sense.
K
Kavya N
Fully support this! We live in Anand Vihar and the air here is like a gas chamber. No amount of education is worth risking permanent lung damage for our little ones. Thank you for prioritizing health.
V
Vikram M
The real issue is the digital divide. Not every family has multiple devices or stable internet. I hope schools are considerate and don't penalize students who might struggle with online access. The government must think about equitable solutions too.

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