The Lok Sabha has passed a significant ‘anti-cheating’ legislation aimed at curbing fraudulent activities, particularly the leaking of exam papers, in government recruitment exams. The bill, titled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, will now proceed to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration. Upon approval, it will be presented to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent before officially becoming law.
The legislation seeks to differentiate between students who participate in competitive exams with integrity and those who engage in cheating practices for personal gain. Individuals found guilty of leaking exam papers or tampering with answer sheets through collusion with officials could face severe penalties, including up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹1 crore.
Of notable importance is that all offenses under this bill will be considered cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. This means that law enforcement agencies will have the authority to take action independently, including making arrests without a warrant. Additionally, those accused of offenses will not be eligible for bail, and the charges cannot be resolved through compromise.
Introduced in the Lower House by junior Personnel Minister Jitendra Singh, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill specifically addresses offenses such as the leakage of question papers or answer keys, as well as any form of unauthorized assistance to candidates. Other prohibited activities include the creation of fake websites for cheating purposes, conducting fake examinations, or issuing counterfeit admit cards and offer letters.
Junior Union Education Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair examination environment to accurately assess candidates’ knowledge and capabilities. He stressed that providing unfair advantages to individuals or groups undermines the nation’s progress, as it may result in the elevation of unqualified individuals who are unable to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
In light of this, Singh emphasized the necessity of the bill to ensure that by 2047, India will have a populace of capable citizens capable of driving the nation’s growth. The legislation aims to prevent any unfair advantages and promote meritocracy in the examination process, thereby safeguarding the integrity and fairness of government recruitment exams.
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