Educational institutions across Delhi are transitioning to online classes and rescheduling examinations in anticipation of a significant protest planned for October 10. The decisions stem from security concerns and expected disruptions to public transport, including metro services, as authorities prepare for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
The Delhi Police has deployed over 20,000 personnel across central Delhi and requested extensive restrictions on metro station access, prompting schools and colleges to prioritize student and staff safety. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced a protest for Saturday, leading to these preventative measures.
Schools Announce Online Learning and Activity Changes
Several prominent schools have already informed parents about revised schedules:
- Sardar Patel Vidyalaya: Classes for students from grades 6 to 12 will be conducted online on Saturday. The school cited extensive barricading in the New Delhi area and student safety as primary concerns, also discontinuing its Friday stay-back facility. The inauguration of its Activity Week, originally set for Saturday, has been postponed.
- Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School: A parent-teacher meeting (PTM) for discussing report cards, scheduled for Saturday, has been rescheduled.
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Mehta Vidyalaya: Sports day practice and enrichment classes for students of Classes 9 to 12, planned for Saturday, have been canceled. The school emphasized student safety in light of the proposed Jantar Mantar protest.
Colleges Postpone Mid-Term Examinations
The security arrangements have also impacted higher education, with several colleges postponing mid-term examinations:
- Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering (Paschim Vihar): Mid-term exams slated for Saturday have been moved to Monday, October 12. This decision was made due to anticipated metro station closures and potential service disruptions, following directives from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and Delhi Police.
- Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology (Rohini): Mid-term examinations scheduled for October 10 are now set for October 12. The institute's decision aligns with communications from Delhi Police regarding expected metro restrictions, with approval from GGSIPU authorities.
Delhi Metro Restrictions Implemented
The Delhi Police has formally requested the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations starting from 9 PM on Friday until further notice. This measure is in response to the planned Jantar Mantar protest and concerns over potential movement towards sensitive locations. These widespread restrictions are a key factor in the educational institutions' decisions to adjust their operations, aiming to minimize inconvenience and ensure the well-being of their communities.