Home / Education / Gurugram Schools Defy Hybrid Order Amid Smog Crisis
Gurugram Schools Defy Hybrid Order Amid Smog Crisis
21 Nov
Summary
- Gurugram schools continued offline classes despite a directive for hybrid mode.
- Poor air quality persisted with AQI crossing 300-mark for days.
- Parents sent children to school due to unreliable virtual class options.
Gurugram's primary schools largely ignored a recent directive for hybrid learning, continuing offline operations despite hazardous air quality. Teachers confirmed that online classes, intended as an alternative during the 'very poor' AQI conditions, were not implemented even once. This situation persisted even as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) repeatedly surpassed the 300-mark, signaling a critical pollution level.
The district education officer's office reportedly instructed government schools to maintain physical attendance, contrary to the deputy commissioner's order issued earlier in November. School timings were also adjusted. In areas like Farrukhnagar, while virtual classes were offered as an option, most parents chose physical schooling due to infrastructure limitations.
Parents cited poor network coverage in rural areas and the unavailability of multiple devices per household as reasons for opting for offline classes. This meant children attended school amid heavy smog, with concerns raised about their lack of protective measures like masks. The district education officer has not yet commented on the matter.
