Kerala Education Minister's Office Moves Police Over False Claims on Onam Exam Papers

The Kerala Education Minister's office has approached the state police chief over alleged misleading claims on social media about Onam school examination question papers, seeking immediate action against channels that have been accused of spreading false information among students.

According to the minister's office, the private secretary to the General Education Minister submitted the complaint to the state police chief on Sunday, as per PTI reports.

Social Media Channels Under Scanner

Several teachers and educational platforms conduct academic classes for students through social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. However, the minister's office has raised concerns over certain channels allegedly using these platforms to circulate misleading claims about examination question papers.

Some posts and videos reportedly claim that they will provide the Onam examination question paper in advance or that only the questions mentioned by them will appear in the examination. Other claims include presenting purported model question papers as the paper scheduled for the following day and advising students to study only those questions.

The minister's office said such claims could create false expectations among students and lead them to rely on purportedly leaked or predicted questions instead of preparing comprehensively for their examinations.

Concerns Over Collection of Student Data

The complaint has also raised concerns that some social media channels could be using such claims to attract students to their platforms or groups and collect their personal information and other data.

With the Onam examinations already underway, the minister's office said the issue requires greater attention as misleading information could affect students' preparation and studies.

The complaint has sought verification of the claims and legal action if they are found to be false. Police have also been asked to examine whether such methods are being used to obtain students' personal information.

Minister's Office Issues Warning

The minister's office has advised students, parents and teachers to remain cautious and not fall for unverified claims regarding Onam examination question papers. It has also warned that strict action will be taken against those found making false claims about the papers.

At the same time, the office clarified that the complaint is not intended to restrict genuine academic classes conducted by teachers on social media platforms. The action is specifically aimed at misleading claims related to examination question papers and the possible misuse of such claims.

(With Inputs from PTI)