Parliament passes bill to stop unfair means in public exam system
NEW DELHI: Parliament on Friday passed a bill that seeks to bring in greater transparency and effectively deter persons, organised groups or institutions from indulging in various unfair means for monetary or wrongful gains, which adversely impact the public examination systems. The bill provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for such offences.
Opposition parties, including Congress and Trinamool, supported the bill in the Upper House but called for more stringent norms to prevent incidents of paper leaks, cheating, and other malpractices.
Replying to a discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 in RS, minister for public grievances and pensions Jitendra Singh said, We have very cautiously kept the bona fide candidate out of the purview of the law, be it a job aspirant or a student. He explained that the reasons for doing so were to ensure that the message does not go that the new legislation is meant to harass the youth.
The bill was passed through a voice vote in Rajya Sabha, after amendments proposed by some opposition members were rejected. It was passed by Lok Sabha on Feb 6.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill aims to tackle the issue of unfair practices in the public examination system. With a focus on enhancing transparency and deterring individuals or organizations from engaging in such unlawful activities, the bill introduces stricter penalties for such offenses. Those found guilty could face a maximum jail term of 10 years along with a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
While the bill received support from opposition parties, including Congress and Trinamool, there were calls for even more rigorous measures to address concerns regarding paper leaks, cheating, and other malpractices. However, the government maintained that bona fide candidates, whether job aspirants or students, would not be affected by the law.
Minister for public grievances and pensions, Jitendra Singh, explained that the exclusion of genuine candidates from the legislation was a deliberate decision to prevent the perception that the new law is intended to harass the youth.
After undergoing discussions and amendments, the bill was passed by a voice vote in Rajya Sabha. It had previously been approved by Lok Sabha on February 6.
The passage of this bill marks a significant step in safeguarding the integrity of the public examination system in India. By imposing stricter penalties and fostering transparency, the government aims to deter unfair practices that undermine the credibility of these exams. The new legislation sends a clear message that any form of cheating or malpractice will not be tolerated.
The bill’s provisions seek to nurture a fair and merit-based environment where deserving candidates can showcase their abilities without the fear of being overshadowed by unfair means. Ultimately, this move aims to instill public confidence in the examination system and foster a more level playing field for all aspirants.
With the new law in place, it is expected that there will be a heightened sense of accountability and a greater emphasis on maintaining the sanctity of public examinations. By taking a strong stance against unfair practices, the government aims to restore trust and ensure that the future of India’s youth is built on a solid foundation of integrity and meritocracy.
The passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat malpractices and create a more transparent and fair public examination system. The penalties imposed under this legislation send a stern warning to those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain, while simultaneously protecting the interests of genuine candidates.
India’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its examination system is a testament to its dedication to excellence and fairness in education. As the nation moves forward, it is hoped that the implementation of this bill will result in a more equitable and merit-based environment for all individuals pursuing public exams.
