Dehradun/Bengaluru: Amid the CBI probe into the alleged NEET UG paper leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the re-examination for the 22.79 lakh candidates who appeared for the test on May 3. Security has been tightened at exam centres across the country.
In several states, district administrations have imposed prohibitory orders banning public gatherings and noise pollution around examination centres on June 22.
Chief Ministers of various states reviewed the preparations for the medical entrance examination.
Karnataka
In Bengaluru, Karnataka, the city police issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). As per the order, restrictions will remain in force within a 200-metre radius of examination centres across different parts of the city to ensure the exams are conducted smoothly and securely.
The order further states that photocopy (xerox) shops, cyber cafés and computer centres operating near the examination centres must remain closed during the exam.
Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, the Dehradun district administration has issued a strict prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS within a 200-metre radius of all 16 designated examination centres in the district.
The order will come into effect on the examination day and remain in force until the conclusion of the test on Sunday. Under these emergency provisions, the assembly of five or more people, excluding examination candidates, is strictly prohibited near the centres.
The administration has also banned the carrying of firearms, lathis, swords and other sharp-edged weapons, as well as the storage of stones, bricks or iron rods that could be used to disturb public order.
Furthermore, to eliminate distractions for students, the use of loudspeakers, political sloganeering, provocative speeches and the distribution of misleading literature have been prohibited around the examination venues. Organisers will not be allowed to hold rallies, demonstrations or vehicle processions without prior written permission.
Authorities have warned that any individual or group found violating these guidelines will face immediate prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Police have put in place extensive security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance, signal-jamming systems and round-the-clock monitoring across all examination centres. In Kota, elaborate security and administrative arrangements are placed at 92 centres.
Divisional Commissioner Anil Kumar Agarwal, Kota Range Inspector General Harendra Mahawar, District Collector Piyush Samaria and Kota City Superintendent of Police Tejaswini Gautam directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are made in accordance with the guidelines of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The officers instructed authorities to ensure secure storage and transportation of question papers and other confidential examination materials. They also emphasised strict implementation of biometric verification, frisking of candidates, robust security at examination centres and continuous surveillance.
Candidates will be allowed entry at the examination centres only till 1.30 pm. Every centre will have a designated police team leader to supervise security arrangements, officials said.
The police directed coaching institutes to educate students about cyber fraud, fake paper leak claims and misleading social media campaigns related to the examination while ensuring strict adherence to NTA guidelines.
(With inputs from PTI)