Delhi schools to reopen amid high pollution? SC cites 3 issues if students stay home
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that schools in the National Capital Region should operate despite high pollution levels, citing three challenges that will not be resolved if children stay at home. The court, however, left the final decision to the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management).
Many students do not have air purifiers in their houses, therefore there is no difference between sitting at home and going to school, judges said. Furthermore, many students do not have the necessary resources to participate in online education and will fall behind if the online sessions continue.
Last but not least, the court stated that many children are missing out on midday meals as schools and anganwadis are still closed.
"Let the commission take a decision at the earliest even without a copy of the order... we expect a decision to be taken latest by today or tomorrow morning," the judge's ruling stated.
The top court stated in its ruling today that the implementation of GRAP 4 guidelines has had a negative impact on various parts of society.
"Several section of society adversely affected due to GRAP IV (rules) and the commission (CAQM) has all the powers under the act to issue directions to various authorities to ensure that persons in category in labourers and daily wagers do not suffer. Thus we direct commission to take several mitigating measures under Section 12 of the Act," judges stated.
"A chart on the Air Quality Index in the NCR region has been submitted and it shows AQI from Nov 20 to 23 ranges from 300 to 419. We direct commission to place the updated data on next date so that court can take steps on Grade 4 measures," it added.
- PTC NEWS
