Mumbai, June 5 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed the administration and all concerned state authorities to remain highly vigilant and implement necessary measures at examination centres to ensure a transparent, smooth, and stress-free environment for students appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

He emphasised the need to take strict precautions to prevent any form of malpractice.

The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to oversee the preparatory arrangements for the upcoming NEET examination.

CM Fadnavis highlighted several crucial operational and security protocols. He said all CCTV systems across examination centres must remain fully operational and continuously monitored. Preventive measures must be deployed to ensure robust cybersecurity.

The inspection and identity verification process for candidates must be executed with utmost stringency.

He added that social media must be leveraged effectively to spread accurate information among students, parents, and citizens. In the event of any rumours or misleading information regarding the exam process, immediate clarifications must be issued to prevent confusion or anxiety.

The Chief Minister further stated that the administration must place a special focus on examination centres in Pune and Latur. In addition to preventing malpractices, the district administration, police department, education department, and other related agencies must coordinate to ensure seamless security, effective traffic management, uninterrupted power supply, drinking water, medical facilities, and monsoon preparedness.

During the session, Abhishek Singh, Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), gave a comprehensive presentation detailing the number of NEET examination centres in Maharashtra, available facilities, security arrangements, and the micro-planning executed for the seamless conduct of the examination.

CM’s directives come against the backdrop of the recent fiasco centred on the widespread 2026 paper leak and subsequent cancellation of the NEET-UG exam.

The Chief Minister’s specific mention of Pune and Latur stems from their status as major educational hubs in Maharashtra. Pune is historically known as the “Oxford of the East,” hosting a massive student population and numerous exam centres.

Latur is famous for the “Latur Pattern,” a highly intensive coaching methodology that attracts medical aspirants from all over the state. Because of the high concentration of coaching centres and the high-stakes competition in these two cities, authorities exercise heightened vigilance here to prevent paper leaks, dummy candidates, and digital malpractice.

Since the meeting referenced “monsoon preparedness,” it highlights the logistical challenges peculiar to Maharashtra’s geography. Sudden heavy downpours can disrupt public transport, cause power outages, or flood low-lying areas.

The CM’s directive ensures that local municipalities and disaster management cells are on standby so that students face zero hurdles in reaching their centres on time, said government sources.

–IANS

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