In a significant move aimed at curbing fraudulent practices in government recruitment exams, the Lok Sabha has passed a crucial bill targeting paper leaks and cheating. The ‘anti-cheating’ legislation, titled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, received unanimous approval in the Lower House and is set to be presented in the Rajya Sabha for further consideration.
Under the provisions of this bill, individuals involved in leaking exam papers or tampering with answer sheets, particularly through collusion with officials, face severe penalties. Those found guilty could be liable for up to 10 years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of ₹1 crore.
One of the key highlights of the bill is its stringent approach towards offenders. All offenses outlined within the legislation are deemed cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. This means that law enforcement agencies are empowered to take action without requiring a warrant for arrest, bail is not granted to the accused, and settlements through compromise are not permissible.
Junior Personnel Minister Jitendra Singh, who tabled the bill in the Lower House, emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of competitive exams. He highlighted various offenses covered by the bill, including the leakage of question papers, unauthorized assistance to candidates, and the creation of fake websites for fraudulent purposes.
Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the junior Union Education Minister, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for a level playing field in examinations. He emphasized that the bill aims to ensure that merit and capability are the primary determinants of success in exams, rather than unfair advantages obtained through cheating.
The bill also addresses the accountability of service providers who fail to report potential offenses. Such entities could face fines of up to ₹1 crore, while senior managers may be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years along with hefty fines.
Furthermore, the legislation targets organized crime related to paper leaks, prescribing stringent penalties of five to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 crore for perpetrators.
To enforce the provisions of the bill effectively, investigations into complaints will be conducted by officers of high rank, ensuring thorough scrutiny and swift action against offenders.
The scope of the bill encompasses recruitment examinations conducted by several key organizations, including the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, and the National Testing Agency, among others.
Once passed by the Rajya Sabha and granted assent by President Droupadi Murmu, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill will mark a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and fairness of government recruitment exams, ultimately fostering trust in the examination system and promoting meritocracy in the country.
Sources By Agencies
