In an unprecedented move, the Assam government has ordered a temporary internet shutdown across parts of the state to prevent cheating during the Grade 3 recruitment exam. This decision, aimed at ensuring fairness in public exams, has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about the consequences of such an action, particularly for the public and businesses that rely heavily on internet access.
### A Measure of Controversial Priority
The shutdown has been implemented to prevent cheating in an exam aimed at filling roughly 3,000 posts. While securing the integrity of exams is a legitimate concern, the decision to enforce an internet blackout seems to be an extreme response to what could have been managed through less disruptive measures. The question that arises is: should the priority of a single exam outweigh the daily functioning of a society that increasingly depends on internet connectivity for its survival?
From online businesses to essential services, an internet shutdown paralyzes the day-to-day operations of numerous sectors. E-commerce, financial transactions, healthcare services, and educational activities are all heavily dependent on seamless internet access. For a state that is pushing toward digitization and modernization, this kind of blanket measure seems not only outdated but also counterproductive.
### Economic Fallout
A key concern is the economic losses that businesses and individuals face due to these shutdowns. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, and freelancers in Assam depend on continuous internet access for their livelihoods. A single day of interrupted service can result in significant financial losses. E-commerce, digital marketing, and IT services have been especially affected.
Moreover, it is not just businesses that bear the brunt of such decisions. Educational activities, virtual medical consultations, and other critical services come to a standstill during such blackouts. In a time when the government is actively promoting digital education and telemedicine, actions like this undermine progress in these sectors.
Yet, no clear mechanism exists to compensate for these losses. Who will take responsibility for the financial damage caused by the shutdown? Will the government step up and provide compensation, or will the burden be silently borne by the public? So far, there seems to be no answer, leaving many frustrated with the perceived lack of accountability.
### Alternative Solutions
The government’s goal of ensuring fairness in the exam process is commendable, but the approach could have been better thought out. Here are a few alternatives that could have mitigated the risks of cheating without causing widespread disruption:
1. **Enhanced Surveillance at Exam Centers**: Instead of cutting off internet access statewide, authorities could have increased the use of anti-cheating measures at examination centers such as jammers, metal detectors, and biometric verification.
2. **Offline Exams in Remote Centers**: Conducting the exam in remote areas with controlled internet access could prevent unfair practices while keeping the rest of the state connected.
3. **Better Use of Technology**: The use of AI-based proctoring and monitoring systems in exam centers could have offered a more targeted solution, reducing the need for such drastic steps.
### Is This the Right Priority?
In a world where digital infrastructure is increasingly integral to economic and social development, the Assam government’s decision appears to be out of step with the broader goals of growth and modernization. The move raises questions about whether the priorities of the state administration are aligned with the needs of the people.
Exam security is crucial, but so is maintaining the lifeblood of an economy that runs on digital platforms. Is it really necessary to cause a digital blackout for a public exam that affects 3,000 positions, when millions rely on internet connectivity for their livelihoods and daily routines?
### Conclusion
While the Assam government’s concern for the integrity of the recruitment process is understandable, the implementation of an internet shutdown raises serious concerns about proportionality, economic fallout, and governance priorities. It is time for authorities to reconsider whether such measures are truly in the best interests of the public, and to explore alternative solutions that ensure both fairness in exams and the uninterrupted functioning of society.
