With an aim to curbing fraudulent practices in government recruitment exams, the Lok Sabha has passed an ‘anti-cheating’ bill. The legislation, titled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, seeks to prevent instances such as the leaking of exam papers which undermine the integrity of competitive examinations.
The bill, which received approval in the Lower House, is set to be presented in the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation. Upon clearance, it will be presented to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent, marking a crucial step towards its enactment into law.
Under the provisions of the bill, individuals involved in activities such as leaking exam papers or tampering with answer sheets will face severe penalties. Those found guilty could be liable for up to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹ 1 crore. Notably, all offenses outlined in the bill will be cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, granting authorities significant powers to act swiftly and decisively against offenders.
Junior Personnel Minister Jitendra Singh, who tabled the bill in the Lok Sabha, emphasized the necessity of ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants undertaking competitive exams. He stressed that the bill aims to uphold the integrity of such examinations and foster the development of capable citizens, vital for the nation’s progress.
The bill encompasses various offenses including the leakage of question papers, assisting candidates through unauthorized means, and the creation of fake websites or conducting fake examinations for illicit gains. Service providers failing to report potential offenses may face substantial fines, while senior managers of such entities could be subject to imprisonment.
Furthermore, the legislation empowers law enforcement agencies to investigate complaints, with designated officers entrusted with the responsibility of probing allegations of malpractice. The scope of the bill extends to recruitment examinations conducted by esteemed bodies such as the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, and others, aiming to maintain the integrity and fairness of the recruitment process across various sectors.
