Delhi’s Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a directive today, allowing online or hybrid classes only for students up to Class 5. This decision comes as the city’s air quality remains unbreathable. The move has drawn immediate criticism from parents and education experts. They label the restriction as discriminatory, demanding equal protection for all students facing severe air pollution.
Keshav Agarwal, director of the Coaching Federation of India, expressed strong disapproval of the DoE’s order. He stated, “Delhi is facing a public health emergency. Neither the government nor schools appear to acknowledge it with the seriousness required. Children’s health must not be compromised for administrative convenience.”
Widespread Health Consequences
Health experts voice deep concern over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Sustained exposure to polluted air carries significant long-term health consequences. These include an increased risk of cancer and a weakening of the body’s immune system. The adverse impact extends far beyond immediate respiratory ailments, according to reports by PTI.
Further data underscores the gravity of the situation. The State of Global Air 2025 report revealed India recorded over two million deaths in 2023 directly linked to toxic air. This figure highlights the urgent need for comprehensive protective measures across all age groups.
Public Frustration Mounts
Growing frustration among Delhi residents is evident on social media. An X user highlighted the ongoing operation of schools despite extremely poor air quality. The user wrote, “Schools are still open in Delhi despite 700+ AQI air. My sister has cough and sore throat, yet her school sent a low attendance warning saying she won’t get her hall ticket if she misses more days.”
The post questioned the lack of action, adding, “Why aren’t parents calling out schools? Why isn’t the government acting? Why are kids not even advised to wear masks? This negligence will have serious consequences for our generation.”
Another X user echoed widespread sentiment. They challenged the DoE’s limited directive, asking, “Won’t pollution affect students of higher classes? The same decision should apply to all classes.”
Equal Vulnerability: Lungs, Not Classes
Agarwal explicitly termed the DoE’s circular “arbitrary and discriminatory.” He asserted, “Pollution affects lungs, not classes,” underscoring his point that air quality impacts all students regardless of age or grade. He emphasized that students in Classes 6 to 12 are equally vulnerable. He stated their “lungs are not made of iron,” requiring the same protection as younger children.
Agarwal suggested a practical, equitable approach. He proposed that every parent and student should be given the choice to attend classes either online or offline. This flexibility would remain in place until air quality improves to safer levels.
For older students, Agarwal offered a specific recommendation. He advised instructing schools to grant 10-12 days of study leave to Class 10 and 12 students before their pre-board examinations. He noted their syllabus is usually nearing completion, arguing this measure would safeguard student health without academic disruption.
Concerns also extend to current school operations. Agarwal expressed shock that physical education periods continue in Delhi’s toxic air.
He further highlighted that most schools are not enforcing mask usage. They are also not implementing visible steps such as installing oxygen-generating indoor plants or adjusting school timings to reduce exposure during peak pollution hours.