A bill aimed at tackling malpractices in entrance exams has been introduced in Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Personnel and Training Jitendra Singh. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 seeks to deter individuals, groups, or institutions involved in unfair activities that harm the integrity of public examinations.
The bill includes stringent provisions against malpractices and aims to address issues such as paper leaks and cancellation of exams due to malpractices. To tackle challenges related to cyber security in public exams, the bill proposes the establishment of a high-level technical committee.
Currently, there is no specific national law to address unfair means and offenses that impact public examinations conducted by the Central Government and its agencies. The bill seeks to fill this gap and bring transparency, fairness, and credibility to the exam system.
The bill covers various exams, including those conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission, and entrance tests like NEET and JEE. It clarified that genuine candidates and students will not face any action under the purview of the bill.
The government has introduced multiple reforms to enhance transparency in exams for recruitment and admission to higher education institutions. These reforms include self-attestation, shorter examination cycles, elimination of interviews for certain posts, computer-based tests, and digital issuance of appointment letters.
Instances of unfair practices have led to the cancellation or delayed results of public exams in several states. Organized groups and criminal elements often engage in paper leaks, impersonation, and solver gangs. The bill aims to deter such nefarious activities.
Recognizing the increasing role of technology in exams, the bill proposes the establishment of a National Technical Committee on Public Examinations. This committee will develop protocols for secure digital platforms, devise robust IT security systems, ensure comprehensive electronic surveillance of exam centers, and set national standards for IT and physical infrastructure.
By introducing this bill, the government seeks to address the challenges posed by entrance exam malpractices and ensure that sincere and genuine efforts of the country’s youth are duly rewarded. The bill’s objective is to safeguard the future of the youth and maintain the credibility of the public examination system.
The bill’s introduction in Lok Sabha marks an important step towards combating unfair means in exams and promoting transparency and fairness. With the inclusion of stringent provisions and the establishment of a technical committee, the government aims to create a system that upholds the integrity of public examinations in India.
