The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to suspend internet services across the state for APPSCCE (prelims) examinations.
Internet services across the Northeast state will be suspended from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 4 pm on July 29 for combined competitive examination of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
Announcing the decision, chief minister Pema Khandu said, “To ensure free and fair conduct of APPSCCE (prelims) examinations, internet services across the state will be suspended… for cheating-free exam. This is for information to all concerned.”
The government letter was issued by deputy secretary (DA) on July 18 to the deputy commissioners of all the districts.
There was mixed response to the decision with many praising the chief minister for such a bold step to ensure free and fair examination.
Others termed it not a wise decision as suspension of internet could affect various emergency services like banking, mobile transactions, uploading of online tenders and other necessities, online ticket bookings etc.
“I think confiscation of mobile phones should have been the better option and even installation of CCTV could have been put in place. Hope the banking facilities across the state are not affected. Is this some kind of way to discard the idea of Digital India? Nevertheless, a commendable and bold step (sic),” wrote on Facebook user.
