India, Feb. 18 -- LUCKNOW The state government will enforce loudspeaker ban near examination centres and has ordered strict surveillance in highly sensitive districts to ensure fair and smooth conduct of the UP Board Exams.

Chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh issued these directives on Monday during a video conference with divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officers.

The high school and intermediate exams, scheduled from February 24 to March 12, will see 54.37 lakh students appearing at 8,140 centres across the state. Singh mandated 100% inspection of centres in advance and a zero-tolerance policy on cheating.

Seventeen districts, including Agra, Mathura, Azamgarh, Prayagraj, Aligarh and Jaunpur, have been ...