Key Facts
The Indian government, through the National Testing Agency (NTA), temporarily restricted access to the messaging app Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. The ban, effective from June 17 to June 22, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders who question its efficacy in preventing paper leaks.
Opposition Leaders Slam the Move
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were among the first to condemn the decision. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi sarcastically asked if WhatsApp would be next, calling the measures 'theatrics' and urging Prime Minister Modi to target the mafia instead of students. He wrote, 'Chor ko pakadne ke bajaye peedit ke ghar par taala laga do (Instead of catching the thief, just hang a lock on the victim’s door). Millions of students have been studying on Telegram for years - notes, test series, discussions, preparation. How does snatching that facility become the solution to paper leaks?'
Arvind Kejriwal echoed similar sentiments, describing the steps as 'absurd' and lacking real intent to stop leaks. He stated, 'Transporting papers via army ships, shutting down Telegram. Will these steps stop paper leaks? Absolutely not. The paper leak business is a multi-billion-rupee racket. The money goes all the way to the top. If paper leaks are stopped, where will the money come from to buy MLAs/MPs?'
NTA's Justification for the Ban
The NTA defended its decision, citing that fraudsters were using Telegram to demand money from students by falsely claiming access to leaked re-exam papers. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh assured, 'We will not let anything go wrong. We will take all possible actions to ensure that the examination is conducted without any malpractice.' The agency also warned students about fabricated 'proof' videos and manipulated chats circulating to trap anxious candidates and parents.
Legal Challenge by Telegram
Telegram has moved the Delhi High Court against the temporary block, with the plea expected to be heard shortly. The outcome could have implications for the use of messaging platforms during high-stakes examinations.
What Readers Should Know
The NEET-UG re-exam is being conducted after the original test was marred by allegations of paper leaks. The government has implemented several security measures, including transporting question papers via army ships and restricting Telegram. However, critics argue that these steps are superficial and fail to address the root causes of systemic corruption in examination processes.
FAQ
- Why was Telegram banned before NEET re-exam? The NTA temporarily restricted Telegram in India from June 17 to June 22, citing misuse by fraudsters who were demanding money and falsely claiming access to leaked re-exam papers.
- What did Rahul Gandhi say about the Telegram ban? Rahul Gandhi criticized the move, saying it was like locking the victim's door instead of catching the thief. He questioned how banning a platform used by millions for study would stop paper leaks and called for action against the mafia, not students.
- What was Arvind Kejriwal's response? Arvind Kejriwal called the steps 'absurd' and argued that transporting papers via army ships and shutting down Telegram would not stop paper leaks, which he described as a multi-billion-rupee racket benefiting top politicians.
- Has Telegram challenged the ban in court? Yes, Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court against the temporary block, and the plea is expected to be heard soon.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com