New Delhi: The Center on Wednesday sought the support of major social media platforms including Meta, Google and Telegram to crack down on rumours, fake paper leak claims and panic-inducing posts ahead of the NEET-UG re-exam, as the government stepped up efforts to restore confidence in the country’s biggest medical entrance exam after the recent leak controversy.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting with representatives of social media companies and separately reviewed security preparedness with central intelligence and law enforcement agencies, directing “focused action” on organized misinformation networks operating online ahead of the exams.According to Education Ministry officials, concerns were raised over the increasing spread of fake content through Telegram channels, anonymous groups and automated bots that become highly active ahead of major examinations. Officials said many such channels broadcast fabricated paper leak claims, clickbait messages and unverified information to create panic and confusion among students and parents.“Many suspicious channels were found operating through a limited set of phone numbers, indicating coordinated and organized activity,” a senior ministry official said, citing inputs shared by intelligence agencies during the meeting.Officials said it was learned that the social media platforms have assured active cooperation to the government in identifying, preventing and removing misleading content related to the examinations. Pradhan directed the companies to work closely with the ministry, National Testing Agency (NTA) and law enforcement agencies to swiftly remove channels spreading “fake information, propaganda and panic”.Intelligence and security agencies have also been asked to strengthen digital surveillance ahead of the exams and keep an eye on emerging online patterns, officials said. Particular attention is being paid to encrypted messaging platforms and rapidly growing groups that claim to provide candidates with advance access to exam materials or “inside information”.These meetings are being held ahead of the re-examination of NEET-UG, which was announced after the May 3 exam was canceled following allegations that parts of the paper were leaked ahead of the exam. The controversy revived concerns over exam security following paper leak allegations, grace marks controversies and NEET-related controversies involving organized malpractice networks.Earlier on Tuesday, again in a review meeting on NEET preparations, Pradhan stressed that all the weaknesses identified in the previous examination process should be comprehensively addressed. Officials were directed to hold coordination meetings with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of the states to ensure strong monitoring and strict implementation of safety protocols at the examination centres.The minister also directed the officials to ensure adequate student facilities including transportation, drinking water and uninterrupted arrangements during the re-examination.