Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged his Cabinet colleagues to become more active on Instagram and use the platform to better connect with young people, according to sources.
During the Cabinet meeting, Modi reportedly asked ministers how many of them were actively using platforms such as Instagram. He stressed that a significant section of India's youth spends time on the platform and said the government should strengthen its outreach to them.
Sources said the Prime Minister told ministers that merely posting updates about government initiatives was insufficient. Instead, he encouraged them to engage directly with young people and communicate in a more interactive and relatable manner.
He also advised ministers to create reels and other engaging content that would resonate with younger audiences.
"Young audiences are on Instagram. This is a large section of citizens that all of us need to stay connected with," the Prime Minister told ministers, according to sources.
Cabinet clears key decisions
The remarks came during a Cabinet meeting that approved several major decisions, including a draft Bill proposing tougher punishments for examination paper leaks.
According to official sources, the Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, introducing significantly stricter penalties for those involved in paper leak cases.
The proposed amendments prescribe a minimum jail term of five years for individuals involved in paper leaks, while organised paper leak syndicates could face up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 1 crore, PTI reported.
The Bill, expected to be introduced in Parliament on Monday, aims to strengthen the existing law by targeting organised networks and institutions involved in examination fraud while safeguarding the interests of genuine candidates.
It will apply to recruitment examinations such as UPSC and SSC, as well as entrance tests including NEET, JEE and CUET.
PM's message to students
The Cabinet's approval came just hours after Modi announced through a video message that the government would introduce a stronger anti-paper leak Bill in Parliament next week.
On Thursday night, the Prime Minister addressed students through a selfie video posted on X, assuring them that the government stood with them amid the NEET paper leak controversy.
Describing the alleged leak as "not a trivial issue", Modi said it had caused immense distress to lakhs of students and their families.
He added that the government had taken several measures over the past two and a half months, including arresting those allegedly involved in the paper leak.
Government backs Pradhan
The developments come amid ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The organisation is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, reforms to the examination system and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam.
Government sources have reiterated that the Cabinet continues to support Pradhan and that there is no possibility of his resignation.
They also said the Centre is working on a comprehensive reform plan for the National Testing Agency (NTA).
