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Over 11 lakh candidates participated in the second Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) held on September 15, with several lakh more expected to take the ADRE 2.0 on 29th September 2024.

 

This extensive recruitment drive, one of the largest in Assam's history, is being conducted by the State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) to fill Grade III and Grade IV vacancies across government departments and institutions.

 

To ensure transparency and prevent malpractice, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's government has implemented stringent measures, including the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that outline regulations such as dress codes for candidates. Additionally, security has been heightened at examination centres across the state.

 

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has also stepped in to assist, launching six special trains to facilitate the transport of exam candidates. Despite these efforts to ease the logistical challenges, the state government’s decision to impose a blanket internet suspension during the exam has sparked widespread criticism.

 

Much like the first phase of exams on September 15, internet services will be suspended for eight hours on exam day.

 

The decision has raised concerns about whether the government can effectively conduct such large-scale exams without resorting to drastic measures like internet shutdowns.

 

During the earlier internet ban, candidates experienced significant inconvenience, particularly those reliant on cab and ride-sharing services, leaving many stranded on their way to examination centres.

A controversial measure

The internet suspension, aimed at preventing exam-related malpractices such as cheating and paper leaks, has divided public opinion. Critics argue that the disruption caused by the shutdown outweighs its potential benefits, questioning the government’s ability to maintain exam integrity without impacting daily life.

 

“The students toil to prepare for these exams, and when reports of paper leaks emerge, it is very distressing. It is for this reason that the internet is banned across the state during public exams,” says Anupam Saikia, a practising advocate at Gauhati High Court. “However, that cannot be the only solution. The internet ban could be in sync with the law, but there must be alternative methods. CCTV cameras and other surveillance systems, such as sophisticated frisking, should be employed, and strict on-site vigilance should be maintained.”

 

Saikia’s sentiment is echoed by many who believe that there are technological alternatives that can achieve the same result without the societal disruption caused by internet blackouts.

 

Suggestions include using body scanners and mobile phone jammers at exam centres, as well as implementing multiple versions of question papers for different sessions to curb cheating and prevent postponements.

A call for a balanced approach

The internet ban in Assam has also brought to light a wider legal debate. In September 2022, a petition filed by the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) in the Supreme Court challenged the frequent imposition of internet bans in five Indian states, including Assam.

 

In response, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to clarify protocols governing such suspensions, with the court previously stating that “government powers should be exercised in a limited manner” concerning internet blackouts, as outlined in the landmark Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India case in January 2020.

 

Despite these legal precedents, Assam’s government continues to justify the internet ban as a necessary step to prevent exam malpractices. Nurul Laskar, an educator, argues that the government’s reliance on this method reflects a failure in implementing other effective measures.

 

“The government is admitting that all other methods have failed. No students are allowed to bring mobile phones to the examination centres. If they are without mobile phones, the question of an internet ban is immaterial,” Laskar explains.

 

He adds, “Numerous exams such as the ADR, UPSC, APSC, and SSC are held each year. If the government bans the internet for all exams, there will be very few days left to access it. The government should reconsider this decision.”

Tougher penalties, tougher debate

In tandem with the internet suspension, the government has introduced stringent legislative measures to combat exam fraud. The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, mandates severe penalties, including up to ten years in prison and fines up to Rs 1 crore for those caught cheating.

 

The Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024, also prescribes similar punitive measures for those engaging in unfair practices during recruitment exams.

 

However, some legal experts argue that these penalties may be excessive.

 

“There is an imbalance between the offence committed and the penalty imposed. There is no proportionality,” says Mousumi Chatterjee, another practising advocate at Gauhati High Court. “The offenders will languish in prisons, and this will only lead to a backlog of cases in court. More often than not, the people who take these exams do not have the financial means to pay such hefty penalties.”

 

Chatterjee suggests that while these laws may be commendable in principle, their practical implementation needs reconsideration to ensure fairness and sustainability.

 

As the debate surrounding the internet suspension and stringent penalties continues, many are calling for a more balanced approach. With the internet becoming an integral part of daily life, the challenge for governments will be to maintain exam integrity without resorting to blanket bans that disrupt livelihoods.