GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Feb. In a proactive move to address the menace of paper leaks and malpractices plaguing recruitment and entrance examinations, the Central Government tabled a significant legislative proposal in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Termed “The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024,” the bill aims to curb unfair practices and organized malpractices witnessed in exams conducted by esteemed bodies such as UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, CUET, and others.
The introduction of the bill in the lower house was spearheaded by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, as well as MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space.
The proposed legislation seeks to encompass a wide spectrum of examinations, including those conducted by premier institutions like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railways, banking recruitment exams, and computer-based tests organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
A key highlight of the bill is the provision for stringent penalties aimed at deterring cheating and organized malpractices. Offenders found guilty of cheating could face a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment, while those involved in organized cheating activities may face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years along with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the bill targets organized gangs and institutions exploiting unfair means for monetary gains, while safeguarding the interests of genuine candidates. He underscored the urgent need for such legislation, citing instances where paper leaks and cheating have adversely affected the aspirations of millions of students.
The proposed bill aims to bring greater transparency, fairness, and credibility to the public examination systems, reassuring aspiring youths that their genuine efforts will be duly recognized and rewarded. Notably, the legislation seeks to deter individuals, groups, or institutions engaging in unfair practices detrimental to the integrity of examinations.
However, Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified that the bill provides protection to candidates appearing in examinations, ensuring they are governed under existing administrative provisions of examination authorities.
In light of the increasing role of technology in examinations, the government also announced the establishment of a High-Level National Technical Committee on Public Examinations. This committee will focus on developing protocols for securing digital platforms, enhancing IT security systems, implementing electronic surveillance measures, and formulating national standards for examination infrastructure.
The proposed bill represents a significant step towards upholding the sanctity of examinations and ensuring merit-based selection processes, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a fair and transparent examination environment.
Comments are closed.