New Delhi, July 24 (IANS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to create fast track courts and increase punishment to safeguard the future of students. Hours later, on Friday, the Union Cabinet approved a draft bill proposing much stricter punishment for paper leaks in competitive examinations.
Amendments to the ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024’ were approved in the cabinet meeting held in the Parliament House complex under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Official sources said the new provisions are aimed at imposing a strict ban on malpractices that have repeatedly disrupted national examinations and caused hardship to lakhs of students.
According to the approved draft, those involved in the paper leak could face a minimum jail term of five years and a fine.
The bill proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore in organized cases of paper leaks. This is much higher than the existing law. Under the current law, there is a provision of three to five years’ imprisonment for individual offenders, while in cases of organized crimes related to paper leaks and copying, there is a provision of five to 10 years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
The objective of these amendments is to significantly increase financial penalties and ensure stricter punishment for repeat offenders or those committing crimes on a large scale.
Officials said the step was taken following Prime Minister Modi’s statement in which he had asserted that the government will not remain silent after conducting examinations for more than 22 lakh students and declaring the results immediately.
The proposed bill is expected to strengthen the credibility of the examination system and restore the confidence of students and parents. More details, including provisions for fast-track trials, can be given when the law is presented in Parliament next week.
–IANS
SCH/VC