NEW DELHI: In response to the severe air pollution that has enveloped Delhi, both Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have decided to shift all classes to online mode to protect the health and safety of their students and staff.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) issued a notification stating that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region had reached “alarmingly high” levels. To mitigate the risks posed by the hazardous air quality, the university announced that all classes will be conducted online until November 23, 2024. The notice, signed by the Registrar, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, clarified, “In the larger interest of students of the University, it has been decided that the classes shall be conducted in online mode till Saturday the 23rd November, 2024.” It also mentioned that regular in-person classes would resume on Monday, November 25, 2024. However, it reassured students that the schedule for exams and interviews would remain unchanged.
Similarly, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has decided to continue with online classes until November 22, 2024, due to the ongoing air quality concerns. A notification issued by the Registrar, Prof. Ravikesh, stated, “In view of the severe air pollution and hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Delhi and NCR, and in order to safeguard the health and well-being of students, it has been decided by the University to hold classes in Online Mode till 22nd November, 2024.”
Both universities followed the Delhi government’s directive in response to the city’s “medical emergency” status due to the worsening air quality. Stubble burning and unfavourable weather conditions have significantly contributed to the pollution levels in the capital, prompting numerous educational institutions to take similar precautions by switching to online learning formats.
While the shift to virtual learning is a necessary response to the health crisis, both Jamia and JNU have assured that there will be no changes to the schedule for exams and interviews, ensuring academic continuity despite the disruptions caused by the hazardous air.