Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called on social media companies to take stringent measures against misinformation in the lead-up to the upcoming NEET-UG examination. The minister issued a directive to crack down on fake Telegram channels and other platforms that may spread false information, urging them to proactively detect and block networks involved in spreading misinformation.
Proactive Measures Ordered
Pradhan emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process. He instructed social media firms to deploy advanced monitoring tools to identify and remove content that could mislead students or disrupt the exam schedule. The Ministry of Education has also asked platforms to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to trace the origin of fake news.
Focus on Telegram Channels
Special attention has been given to Telegram channels, which have been reportedly used to circulate rumors about paper leaks and exam postponements. The minister warned that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of creating or sharing such content.
This move comes after previous incidents of misinformation caused panic among students and parents. The government aims to ensure a fair and transparent examination process for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which is crucial for medical admissions in India.
Social media companies have been given a timeline to report their compliance and the actions taken to curb misinformation. The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and may issue further guidelines if necessary.
