Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand appeals to the candidates not to get carried away by fake news. 
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, on Thursday, warned the people against rumour-mongering regarding the conduct of the Group-II Main examination, scheduled to be held on February 23.

Addressing a review meeting attended by Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Chairperson A.R. Anuradha and other officials of the commission at the Secretariat, Mr. Vijayanand asked the district Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to initiate stringent action those resorting to spreading rumours on social media or through any other platform. He appealed to the candidates and their parents not to get carried away by fake news.

Mr. Vijayanand said that elaborate arrangements had been made for the examination being conducted at 175 examination centres in 13 (old) district headquarters. As many as 92,250 candidates would appear for the examination, he said and asked the Collectors and SPs to ensure its smooth conduct.

Ms. Anuradha said the Paper-I written exam would be held from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and Paper-II would be held from 3 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Candidates writing paper-I should reach the exam centre by 9.30 a.m., as the gates of the examination centres would be closed by 9.45 a.m. after which no entry would be allowed.

Likewise, candidates writing Paper-II should reach the centre by 2.30 p.m. as the entrance gates would be closed at 2.45 p.m. and nobody would be allowed inside thereafter.

“For smooth and efficient conduct of the examination, booklets with detailed instructions have been sent to all liaison officers, chief superintendents and invigilators. These officials have been asked to follow the instruction strictly,” she said.

Restrictions would be imposed within 100 metres of the examination centres and all photocopy and Internet centres near the examination centres would remain closed during the examinations, she added.

Principal Secretary (GAD) Mukesh Kumar Meena said the Collectors should immediately respond should there be any fake news circulating during the examinations. He said legal action should be taken against those resorting to such acts.

Secretary, Department of School and Higher Education, K. Shashidhar; Commissioner of Intermediate Education Kritika Shukla; Information Director Himanshu Shukla; APPSC Secretary I.N. Murthy and others were present.