Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Mumbai, Jun 5: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday instructed state authorities to maintain the highest level of vigilance and ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and fair conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), stressing that students should be able to take the examination in a secure and stress-free environment.

Chairing a high-level review meeting ahead of the examination, Fadnavis directed officials to implement stringent measures to eliminate any possibility of malpractice and uphold the integrity of the examination process.

The Chief Minister emphasized that surveillance systems at all examination centres must remain fully functional, with continuous monitoring of CCTV networks. He also called for strengthened cybersecurity safeguards to prevent any digital threats or attempts to compromise the examination process.

Fadnavis further instructed officials to conduct thorough identity verification and security checks of candidates before entry into examination centres, ensuring strict compliance with established protocols.

Highlighting the importance of clear communication, he asked authorities to actively use social media and public information channels to keep students and parents informed. Any misinformation, rumours, or misleading claims related to the examination should be addressed immediately through official clarifications, he said.

Special attention, the Chief Minister noted, must be given to examination centres in Pune and Latur, two of Maharashtra’s major educational hubs. He directed district administrations, police authorities, education officials, and other concerned departments to work in close coordination to guarantee adequate security arrangements, smooth traffic flow, uninterrupted electricity supply, availability of drinking water, emergency medical support, and preparedness for monsoon-related disruptions.

During the meeting, National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Abhishek Singh presented a detailed overview of NEET preparations in Maharashtra, including the number of examination centres, infrastructure readiness, security measures, and operational planning undertaken to ensure seamless conduct of the exam.

The review assumes significance in light of concerns surrounding examination security following controversies over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in recent national-level entrance examinations. Authorities are therefore placing greater emphasis on preventive measures, surveillance, and coordination among agencies.

Officials noted that Pune and Latur require enhanced monitoring due to the large concentration of NEET aspirants and coaching institutions in these cities. Both locations host a significant number of examination centres and attract students from across the state, making them particularly sensitive from a security and logistics standpoint.

The Chief Minister also underscored the need for monsoon contingency planning. With heavy rainfall capable of disrupting transport services and essential infrastructure in several parts of Maharashtra, local administrations and disaster management teams have been directed to remain on standby to ensure that candidates face no difficulties in reaching their examination centres on time.

Fadnavis said the primary objective of the state administration is to provide every student with a safe, transparent, and hassle-free examination experience while maintaining the highest standards of fairness and accountability.