Assam Government Imposes Mobile Internet Ban During Recruitment Exams on September 15

Guwahati, September 15, 2024: In a bid to ensure transparency and fairness during the recruitment exam for Class-III posts, the Government of Assam has announced the suspension of mobile internet services across the state on September 15, 2024. The exam, conducted by the State Level Recruitment Commission in association with the Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA), will take place in various centers across 28 districts.

According to a notification issued by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Ajay Tewari, over 11.23 million candidates are expected to appear for the examination at 2,305 centers, with 429 identified as “sensitive” due to prior instances of malpractice. To maintain a fair selection process, mobile internet, mobile data, and mobile Wi-Fi services will be disabled from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM during the examination hours.

The Assam Government emphasized that this measure is necessary to curb unfair practices facilitated through social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter). There are growing concerns that unscrupulous elements may resort to the use of mobile applications and internet-based communication to gain an unfair advantage, leading to law and order issues.

To safeguard the integrity of the recruitment process, voice calls and broadband services on fixed telephone lines will remain functional during the internet blackout. Violators of this notification will face punitive action under Section 223 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, and relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

The suspension of telecom services aims to create a free, fair, and transparent examination environment, ensuring that only deserving candidates are selected for the vacant government posts.

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