![\"10-Year](\"https:\/\/c.ndtvimg.com\/2024-02\/4absbka8_organised-cheating_625x300_09_February_24.jpeg\"\/ "\\"10-Year")
<\/div>\nThose who leak exam papers or tamper with answer sheets will face up to 10 years in jail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In a significant move to ensure fair play in competitive exams, Parliament passed a bill on Friday introducing strict penalties for malpractices. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, allows for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a hefty fine of up to Rs 1 crore for those found guilty of cheating or aiding in any form of irregularity. The bill sailed through the Rajya Sabha today with a voice vote, following its earlier approval by the Lok Sabha on February 6th. Notably, amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected during the Rajya Sabha discussion.<\/p>\n
This new law sends a strong message against exam malpractices, aiming to level the playing field and ensure fair competition for all aspirants in crucial exams.<\/p>\n
The law aims to address dishonest actions and irregularities in competitive exams by imposing strict penalties. Additionally, the bill suggests the establishment of a national technical committee on public examinations with the purpose of enhancing the security of computerized examination procedures. This committee will be responsible for providing recommendations in this regard.<\/p>\n
Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n Stiff Penalties: <\/strong>The bill prescribes a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for those found guilty of cheating or aiding in cheating.<\/p>\n Targets Organised Cheating:<\/strong> It specifically targets individuals and institutions involved in organized cheating activities, like leaking question papers or tampering with answer sheets.<\/p>\n Protects Meritocracy: <\/strong>The aim is to deter unfair practices that undermine merit-based selection in competitive exams, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.<\/p>\n Current Status:<\/strong><\/p>\n Passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.<\/p>\n Awaiting presidential assent.<\/p>\n Key points of contention:<\/strong><\/p>\n Excluding Students: <\/strong>Not subjecting students and candidates to penalties raises concerns, as Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed<\/a> the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the proposed law to prevent malpractices in examinations will not apply to them.<\/p>\n Existing laws: <\/strong>Some argue existing laws already address these issues, and a separate bill might be redundant.<\/p>\n