Tens of thousands of Arunachal’s residents in recent weeks have had internet access restricted as part of tough measures to prevent candidates cheating in government exams. 
Previously, the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) while conducting APPSCCE has used this tactic. Of late the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board has been guilty of the same. Thousands of police personnel are deployed at examinations centres and strong rooms along with internet services suspended across the state for the duration of examination hours.
 One understands the necessity of massive enforcements put in place given the track record of the Commission and the APSSB which has been marred in controversy. Being the most prestigious, the APPSC has nonetheless run into its fair share of controversy, with examination cycles consistently witnessing allegations of question paper leaks, mismanagement, student protest etc, which it seems to have corrected to some extent in recent times. However, the newbie APSSB has also waded into controversial waters soon after its creation.
While it is admirable that efforts are being made to ensure free and fair conduct of examinations but disabling internet service across the state is definitely a wrong trend and in a way points to the lack of preparedness and confidence on part of the board and the administrative set-up.The Telecom Suspension Rules can be evoked only to prevent a public emergency or in the interest of public safety. Preventing cheating in exams hardly qualifies.
 In an increasingly digital society, an internet shutdown is a shutdown of essential facilities and conveniences. It impacts working professionals, freelancers, small and medium business owners, senior citizens equally.
The board claims this unprecedented move has been initiated to ensure free and fair conduct by checking use of unfair means through smart phones during the examination. Frisking and mobile jammers should solve the purpose if carried out meticulously. Everytime an examination is conducted, suspending internet services cannot be reason enough for causing huge inconvenience to citizens.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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