A viral social media campaign claiming that the Indian government is distributing free air conditioners to all ration card holders has been officially debunked. The false report, which circulated widely across various digital platforms, suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a new welfare initiative to provide cooling appliances to eligible citizens.
India's official fact-checking agency, PIB Fact Check, issued a formal statement clarifying that the claim is entirely baseless and fabricated. Authorities have confirmed that no such policy or scheme has been introduced by the central government. The agency urged the public to exercise caution when encountering sensationalist claims on social media and to verify information through official government channels before sharing it.
This incident is part of a growing trend of misinformation targeting government welfare programs to generate engagement on social media. Experts note that these types of hoaxes often leverage the names of high-profile political figures to gain credibility. Citizens are reminded that all legitimate government schemes are announced through official gazettes and verified ministry websites, and any offer promising high-value consumer goods in exchange for personal information should be treated with extreme skepticism.
The claim that the Indian government is providing free air conditioners to ration card holders is a viral hoax. India's official fact-checking agency, PIB Fact Check, has explicitly debunked this misinformation, confirming no such government scheme exists.
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Original report: Sambad