Gandhinagar, June 17 (IANS) Gujarat Police have put in place a comprehensive statewide security plan ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) scheduled for June 21. Senior officers have directed that the examination be conducted in a fair, secure, and disruption-free manner across the state.

The preparations were reviewed on Tuesday by Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik during a statewide video conference attended by all Police Commissioners, Range Inspectors General of Police and District Police Chiefs.

The meeting focused on law and order arrangements, examination security and coordination with the National Testing Agency (NTA).

To oversee all NEET-related law and order operations, Malik appointed Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Makarand Chauhan as the State Nodal Officer.

Detailed instructions were issued regarding police deployment at examination centres, with security arrangements to be planned according to the number of candidates expected at each venue.

Officials were directed to maintain strict vigilance around examination centres, including close monitoring of photocopy and xerox shops located nearby.

Police units were also instructed to ensure adherence to all guidelines issued by the NTA. The DGP emphasised that candidate screening should be thorough while remaining sensitive and respectful.

Police personnel have been directed to do intensive frisking procedures and to ensure that female candidates are treated with dignity and sensitivity throughout the process.

Officers have also been instructed to maintain courteous behaviour towards parents and guardians accompanying candidates to examination centres.

To facilitate compliance with examination rules, separate arrangements will be made at examination venues for the secure storage of mobile phones, smart watches and other electronic devices that are prohibited inside examination halls.

As part of efforts to prevent malpractice and strengthen preparedness, all unit heads have been instructed to conduct joint inspections of examination centres with NTA representatives on June 20.

The inspections are intended to identify and address any security concerns before candidates arrive for the examination. Given the confidential movement of examination materials across Gujarat, police will undertake intensive night patrolling from June 19 to 21.

Authorities have also intensified social media monitoring to identify and act against rumours, misleading information and any attempts to disrupt the examination process. The security operation comes as the examination coincides with International Yoga Day on June 21.

To avoid any impact on candidates, Malik instructed all police units to allocate separate manpower for Yoga Day events and NEET-related duties.

During the review meeting, the DGP said the objective of the measures was to ensure “the fair, secure and disruption-free conduct of the NEET examination” while strengthening security and law enforcement arrangements across the state.

He also directed all police units to remain fully prepared and coordinated in the lead-up to the examination to ensure smooth conduct at every centre.

–IANS

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