Exam Paper Leak Crackdown: Cabinet Clears New Bill For Lok Sabha
In the NEET-UG paper leak case, the Supreme Court has once again expressed serious concern over the transparency and security of the examination system.
New Delhi: Amid protests over the NEET paper leak, the Union Cabinet on Friday has approved a draft bill to introduce stricter punishments for those involved in paper leaks, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would bring in tougher legal provisions to tackle the issue.
What is the bill about?
The Union Cabinet on Friday has approved a Bill aimed at tightening the legal framework against question paper leaks and examination-related malpractices.
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the bill likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in Parliament on Monday.
This bill will have strict provisions against paper leak mafias. The bill will provide for a punishment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore in cases of paper leaks.
What did PM Modi say?
The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcement that the government will being a stronger legal measures to deter examination-related fraud.
While addressing the students in a video message, PM Modi said that "Numerous effective measures have been taken in the past two and a half months since the paper leak incident. The culprits have been caught and are in jail. Our most important responsibility was to ensure that students' year is not wasted."
"I directed the departments today to establish a fast-track court. The departments presented me with the resolution late at night. This resolution, along with the provision for a fast-track court and harsh punishment, will be discussed in the cabinet tomorrow. After the suggestions of cabinet colleagues, it will be finalised, and since the second week of Parliament is starting from Monday, efforts will be made to get that bill passed in the House as soon as possible," Modi said.
He also announced that a new bill to prevent paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament next week. Efforts would be made to pass it as soon as possible.
What about the protest?
The CJP's protest against the NEET-UG paper leak continues at Jantar Mantar. The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for exam irregularities, reforms to the education system, and compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of students who committed suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak in May.
