Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised Union ministers to use Instagram more actively, saying the platform is one of the most effective ways to reach the country’s younger generation, sources said on Friday.
While reviewing the government’s digital outreach at a Cabinet meeting, Modi reportedly asked ministers about their presence on Instagram. He observed that a large section of young Indians spends time on the platform and said the government should communicate with them more effectively.
Rather than treating social media as a space only for official announcements, ministers were encouraged to use it for direct interaction with the public. Sources said Modi asked them to present government initiatives in a more relatable and engaging manner.
He also suggested that ministers make greater use of reels and similar interactive formats to improve communication with younger audiences.
According to sources, Modi said that remaining connected with young citizens through platforms they regularly use should be a priority.
Apart from discussing social media outreach, the Cabinet also approved a number of important proposals, including amendments to strengthen the legal framework against examination paper leaks.
The revised provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 were cleared by the Cabinet with stricter punishment for those involved in leaking examination papers.
If enacted, the amendments would make paper leak offences punishable with a minimum five-year prison term. Organised groups involved in such crimes could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 1 crore.
The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament on Monday. It aims to crack down on organised examination fraud while ensuring protection for candidates who appear for examinations legitimately.
Its scope includes recruitment examinations such as UPSC and SSC as well as entrance tests like NEET, JEE and CUET.
The approval followed Modi’s announcement, made in a video message earlier on Friday, that the government would soon place a stronger anti-paper leak Bill before Parliament.
In a video uploaded on X on Thursday night, Modi addressed students affected by the NEET controversy and assured them that the government was committed to protecting their interests.
He described the alleged paper leak as a grave matter that had caused severe distress to lakhs of students and their families.
The Prime Minister also said authorities had taken action over the past two-and-a-half months, including arresting people allegedly linked to the leaks.
These decisions were taken as protests over the examination controversy continue under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The group has been pressing for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, seeking accountability over the alleged NEET-UG irregularities, wider reforms to the examination system and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the examination was cancelled.
Despite the protests, government sources said there were no plans to replace Pradhan. They added that a broader restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) was also underway.