Today, the Lok Sabha witnessed the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 by the Central government.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, presented the bill during the parliamentary session.

The scope of the bill encompasses entrance examinations conducted by various entities, including the Union Public Service Commission, the Staff Selection Commission, the Railways, banking recruitment examinations, and all computer-based examinations administered by the National Testing Agency.

In recent years, leaks of question papers in public examinations have resulted in the cancellation of tests, adversely impacting numerous students. The bill seeks to address this issue by targeting organized groups and institutions engaged in unfair practices for financial gain.

In a bid to combat cheating, the proposed Bill suggests a minimum punishment of three to five years of imprisonment. Individuals engaged in organized cheating activities may face a more severe penalty of five to 10 years of imprisonment along with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore. It's important to note that the Bill includes safeguards to exempt candidates from its provisions.

During the commencement of the Budget Session on January 31, President Droupadi Murmu, in her joint address to both Houses of Parliament, had foretold the introduction of such a bill. Emphasizing the government's awareness of the youth's concerns regarding examination irregularities, she announced the decision to enact a new law aimed at addressing such malpractices with strict measures.