LI Network
Published on: February 6, 2024 at 10:15 IST
A new bill aimed at tackling malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations has been presented in the Lok Sabha, featuring stringent provisions including a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines reaching up to Rs 1 crore.
Union minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, with a focus on targeting organized gangs, mafia elements, and individuals engaged in malpractices, including government officials colluding with them.
The legislation, titled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, emphasizes that students will not be adversely affected by the proposed law, as it primarily aims to address issues related to organized malpractice.
This move is in response to recent incidents of exam cancellations due to question paper leaks, such as the teacher recruitment exam in Rajasthan, the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-D posts in Haryana, and other recruitment exams in different states.
The bill also proposes the establishment of a high-level national technical committee on public examinations, tasked with recommending measures to enhance the security of computerized examination processes.
The committee will explore developing protocols for securing digital platforms, implementing foolproof IT security systems, ensuring electronic surveillance of examination centers, and establishing national standards for IT and physical infrastructure used in these exams.
Instances of organized groups and mafia involvement in malpractices, including the use of solver gangs, impersonation methods, and paper leaks, have prompted the introduction of this bill.
Its primary goal is to act as a deterrent against such illicit activities and bring about greater transparency, fairness, and credibility in the public examination systems.
The legislation aims to assure the youth that their sincere efforts will be duly rewarded, fostering confidence in the fairness of the examination process.
President Droupadi Murmu, addressing both houses of Parliament at the onset of the Budget session on January 31, highlighted the government’s awareness of youth concerns regarding examination irregularities.
She announced the decision to enact a new law to robustly address such malpractices, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the integrity of the examination system.