Dharmendra Pradhan orders crackdown on fake Telegram channels before re-NEET

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed NEET re-exam preparations with security agencies and later met Meta, Google and Telegram representatives over fake paper leak claims and misinformation. Directions were issued for swift action to ensure a fair and secure examination process.

In Short

• Dharmendra Pradhan chaired review meeting on NEET-UG re-exam security
• Emphasis on vigilance and robust measures for safe, fair exam
• Concerns raised over misinformation on social media platforms

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting with central security and intelligence agencies to review security arrangements and reinforce preparations for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination.

He stressed the need for enhanced vigilance and robust security measures to ensure the examination is conducted in a safe, secure and fair manner.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) also attended the meeting. Preparations for the examination were reviewed in detail, with discussions focused on identifying possible vulnerabilities and ensuring timely preventive and corrective measures.

CONCERNS OVER MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In a separate meeting with representatives from major social media platforms, including Meta, Google and Telegram, officials raised concerns over the increasing spread of misinformation related to competitive examinations, particularly through Telegram channels and anonymous online groups.

Officials observed that several such channels become highly active before major examinations, circulating fake paper leak claims, clickbait content and unverified information that create panic, anxiety and confusion among students and parents.

It was also noted that many such links redirect users to automated bots and fake groups aimed at amplifying misinformation.

According to intelligence inputs, multiple suspicious channels are reportedly being operated through a limited set of phone numbers, indicating organised and coordinated activity behind the misinformation campaigns.

MINISTER ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON FAKE NETWORKS

Taking serious note of the issue, Dharmendra Pradhan directed authorities to launch a focused crackdown on such networks. He called for proactive identification, blocking and takedown of channels spreading fake information, propaganda and panic ahead of examinations.

The Minister also emphasised that social media platforms must work closely with the Ministry of Education, NTA and law enforcement agencies to swiftly curb misinformation and safeguard the integrity of the examination process.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said protecting students from misleading narratives and maintaining public confidence in the examination system remains a top priority.

- Ends