Parliament on Friday passed a bill introducing harsh penalties for malpractices, a significant step toward ensuring fair play in competitive exams. If found guilty of cheating or assisting in any kind of irregularity, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 stipulates a maximum 10-year jail sentence and a heavy fine of up to ₹ 1 crore. With a voice vote, the bill easily passed the Rajya Sabha today after being approved by the Lok Sabha on February 6. During the Rajya Sabha discussion, notable amendments put forth by opposition members were turned down.
This new law aims to level the playing field and guarantee fair competition for all candidates in important exams, sending a strong message against exam malpractice.
The law imposes severe penalties in an effort to address dishonest behavior and irregularities in competitive exams. To improve the security of computerized examination processes, the bill also recommends the creation of a national technical committee on public examinations. It will be the committee’s responsibility to make recommendations in this regard.
Key Features:
Stiff Penalties: The bill prescribes a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to ₹ 1 crore for those found guilty of cheating or aiding in cheating.
Targets Organised Cheating: It specifically targets individuals and institutions involved in organized cheating activities, like leaking question papers or tampering with answer sheets.
Protects Meritocracy: The aim is to deter unfair practices that undermine merit-based selection in competitive exams, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.
Current Status:
Passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Awaiting presidential assent.
Key points of contention:
Excluding Students: Not subjecting students and candidates to penalties raises concerns, as Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the proposed law to prevent malpractices in examinations will not apply to them.
Existing laws: Some argue existing laws already address these issues, and a separate bill might be redundant.
Addressing root causes: Critics emphasize the need to tackle factors like inadequate educational resources and societal pressure, instead of solely relying on punishment.
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