<p>The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider the reopening of schools, emphasising the importance of mid-day meals for students and the limitations of online education. The Court urged CAQM to immediately evaluate the possibility of allowing physical classes in schools and educational institutions, impacted by the ongoing pollution crisis.</p>

<h2><strong>Current air quality status</strong></h2>

<p>The air quality in Delhi-NCR has improved in&nbsp;the recent days. However, several monitoring stations have recorded AQI levels ranging from 200 to 300, indicating a "very poor" category in certain areas. As of now, Delhi-NCR remains under Stage-4 of the GRAP, with several restrictions still in place, including a ban on truck entry, unless they are carrying essential items or use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Under the GRAP-4 stage, construction work on public projects has been halted, and non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they meet the required environmental standards. The restrictions aim to curb the pollution levels and protect public health in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-rejects-pleas-challenging-socialist-and-secular-in-indias-preamble-779095">SC rejects pleas challenging ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in India's Preamble</a></p>

<h2><strong>Impact on labourers and daily wagers</strong></h2>

<p>While acknowledging the adverse effects of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4 on various sections of society, including daily wage labourers, the Supreme Court made it clear that the restrictions will not be eased until there is a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI). This decision highlights the ongoing struggle for labourers and daily wage workers, who face challenges in earning their livelihood under the current restrictions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-winter-session-both-houses-adjourned-till-wed-amid-uproar-by-oppn-over-adani-case-779032">Indian Parliament Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned till Wed amid uproar by oppn over Adani case</a></p>

<h2><strong>Relief measures for workers</strong></h2>

<p>The Court also directed all states to utilise funds collected from the labour cess to provide mitigating measures for labourers and daily wagers. Additionally, the Court ordered the implementation of subsistence allowances for workers during the ongoing construction ban period.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider the reopening of schools, emphasising the importance of mid-day meals for students and the limitations of online education.

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider the reopening of schools, emphasising the importance of mid-day meals for students and the limitations of online education. The Court urged CAQM to immediately evaluate the possibility of allowing physical classes in schools and educational institutions, impacted by the ongoing pollution crisis. Current air quality status The air quality in Delhi-NCR has improved in the recent days. However, several monitoring stations have recorded AQI levels ranging from 200 to 300, indicating a "very poor" category in certain areas. As of now, Delhi-NCR remains under Stage-4 of the GRAP, with several restrictions still in place, including a ban on truck entry, unless they are carrying essential items or use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Under the GRAP-4 stage, construction work on public projects has been halted, and non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited unless they meet the required environmental standards. The restrictions aim to curb the pollution levels and protect public health in the region. Also Read | SC rejects pleas challenging ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in India's Preamble Impact on labourers and daily wagers While acknowledging the adverse effects of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4 on various sections of society, including daily wage labourers, the Supreme Court made it clear that the restrictions will not be eased until there is a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI). This decision highlights the ongoing struggle for labourers and daily wage workers, who face challenges in earning their livelihood under the current restrictions. Also Read | Indian Parliament Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned till Wed amid uproar by oppn over Adani case Relief measures for workers The Court also directed all states to utilise funds collected from the labour cess to provide mitigating measures for labourers and daily wagers. Additionally, the Court ordered the implementation of subsistence allowances for workers during the ongoing construction ban period. (With inputs from agencies)

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Supreme Court directs CAQM to consider reopening schools amid Delhi-NCR pollution crisis

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