Delhi Pollution: Experts say all students equally at risk, question decision to limit hybrid mode to Class 5

Even as Delhi’s air quality turns unbreathable, the Directorate of Education (DoE) today directed schools to conduct online or hybrid classes only up to Class 5, sparking outrage among parents and students. Experts called the move “discriminatory” and demanded equal protection for secondary students.

Expressing shock at the DoE's decision, Keshav Agarwal, director of Coaching Federation of India, said: “ Delhi is facing a public health emergency , yet neither the government nor schools seem to acknowledge it with the seriousness it deserves. Children’s health must not be compromised for administrative convenience.”

Delhi's deteriorating air quality has health experts worried over the far-reaching and long-term health consequences of sustained exposure to polluted air. From increased cancer risk to weakening the body's immunity, the impact of air pollution extends far beyond respiratory ailments, PTI reported.

The State of Global Air 2025 report warns that India recorded over two million deaths linked to toxic air in 2023.

Why are schools in Delhi open?

An X user expressed growing frustration among Delhi residents: “Schools are still open in Delhi despite blasts and 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.”

“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,” the post added.

Reacting to Delhi school closure for students up to Class 5, another X user asked: “Won’t pollution affect students of higher classes? The same decision should apply to all classes.”

‘Pollution affects lungs, not classes'

Calling the DoE’s circular "arbitrary and discriminatory”, Agarwal said: “Pollution affects lungs, not classes”. He said students in Classes 6 to 12 are equally vulnerable – “their lungs are not made of iron”.

He suggested that every parent and student should be given a choice to attend classes online or offline until air quality improves.

The syllabus for Class 10 and 12 students is nearly over. Taking this into consideration, schools could have been instructed to grant 10-12 days of study leave before pre-board exams, he suggested, adding that “this simple measure would have protected students’ health without disrupting academics”.

“It is shocking that physical education periods are still being conducted in Delhi’s toxic air. This raises serious concerns about the schools’ approach to student safety.

Most schools are not enforcing mask usage, nor taking any visible steps like installing oxygen-generating indoor plants or adjusting school timings to reduce exposure during peak pollution hours,” he added.