PM Modi urges Cabinet ministers to join Instagram to engage with young protesters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, within 24 hours of posting an Instagram video addressing student protests against the NEET exam paper leak, advised his Cabinet colleagues to become active on the platform to reach out to young people.

During a Union Cabinet meeting on Friday (July 24, 2026), where significant amendments were made to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to strengthen penal provisions against exam paper leaks, the Prime Minister asked his ministers how many of them had an Instagram account and how often they used it.

Referring to the age profile of students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Mr. Modi said Cabinet ministers needed to engage with that demographic on the platforms they use, including by creating reels and interactive live sessions. He noted that crores of young people use Instagram daily and urged proactive engagement to showcase government work.

The Prime Minister's own Instagram following reportedly increased by one million after he posted a video on Thursday night promising strict action against the exam paper leak mafia. The video, less than three minutes long and in a vertical format, stated: 'I gave instructions for fast-track courts. Today, departments worked hard and gave me approval late at night. Tomorrow, there will be a Cabinet discussion. After suggestions from Cabinet members, it will be given final form. From Monday, when the second week of Parliament starts, we will try to pass that Bill as soon as possible.'

The move reflects a broader push by the government to leverage social media to directly communicate with younger citizens, especially in the context of widespread protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.