Guwahati, 21st September: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday claimed that Jharkhand has taken a cue from Assam’s strategy of suspending internet services during crucial recruitment exams, calling it a sign of the northeastern state’s leadership in national governance practices.
In Jharkhand, mobile internet services were suspended from 8 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, a measure that will also be repeated on Sunday to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination (JGGLCCE). The move comes following an official order aiming to curb potential malpractice during the exam.
Speaking to reporters in Bezera, Sarma remarked, “The Congress has been criticizing me for suspending internet during exams, yet their own government in Jharkhand is now adopting the same method. They’ve learned from us, proving that Assam is setting a national example.”
Sarma’s remarks highlight Assam’s earlier actions, where mobile internet services were suspended for three-and-a-half hours during Grade III recruitment exams on September 15 and for four hours in August 2022 during Grade III and IV exams across most districts.
The BJP, currently in opposition in Jharkhand, criticized the Jharkhand government’s decision, accusing it of trying to cover up the “failures” in its administration by implementing internet suspensions similar to Assam’s. Nonetheless, Assam’s proactive measures have now seemingly set a benchmark for other states to follow in ensuring exam integrity.
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