Narendra Modi: Announce in IN Matter

The Indian Union Cabinet has approved a new bill proposing stricter punishment for examination paper leaks, including up to 10-year jail terms and Rs 10 crore fines. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which currently prescribes three to ten years of imprisonment depending on the offence. The move follows a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the Cabinet would consider stronger legal measures to curb paper leaks.

The Indian Union Cabinet has cleared a bill proposing tougher punishment for examination paper leaks amid the ongoing NEET-UG row, with the legislation expected to be tabled in Parliament next week. The proposed law aims to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which currently prescribes three to ten years of imprisonment depending on the offence. This development follows a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the Cabinet would consider stronger legal measures to curb paper leaks.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted as India's first dedicated central law targeting organised examination fraud. The Act classifies such offences as cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, and lists fifteen offences, including leaking question papers, tampering with OMR sheets, running fake websites and issuing fake admit cards. It also lets authorities prescribe security norms such as biometric registration and stricter invigilation.

The proposed bill aims to introduce harsher penalties for those found guilty of leaking examination papers, including up to ten years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The minimum jail term for such offences has also been proposed to be raised from three years to five years. This move is seen as an attempt by the government to strengthen the legal framework around examination fraud and curb paper leaks.

The Cabinet's decision to approve the bill proposing stricter punishment for examination paper leaks marks a significant step in strengthening the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The proposed law is expected to be tabled in Parliament next week, and its passage will depend on the support of various political parties.