New Delhi : The Centre is preparing to strengthen the country’s anti-cheating framework by introducing tougher provisions to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, government sources said on Friday. The move comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would bring a new law to crack down on examination paper leaks.
According to sources, the proposed amendments are expected to be taken up for approval at the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday. In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement, the changes are likely to include provisions for fast-track courts to ensure the speedy trial of paper leak cases, along with stricter punishments for those involved.
The amendments are also expected to enhance the existing penalties under the law. At present, individuals found guilty of examination-related malpractices face three to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. Service providers involved in unfair practices can be fined up to Rs 1 crore, while members of organised cheating syndicates face five to ten years in jail and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
In a video message posted shortly before midnight on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi said the proposed legislation would be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday before being finalised. He added that the government would seek to introduce the Bill during the second week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, beginning Monday, and make every effort to secure its early passage.
“The Cabinet will discuss the issue of paper leaks on Friday, and after considering the suggestions of Cabinet colleagues, the Bill will be given its final shape,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the legislation would contain stringent provisions to curb examination malpractices.
The announcement came less than two hours before activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at a hospital in Gurugram after meeting Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Wangchuk’s fast was part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) campaign demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.