Govt tables Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill; Targets JEE, NEET, CUET, UPSC Malpractices

The bill tabled by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology aims to curb paper leaks, malpractices, and organized wrongdoing in vital recruitment exams such as UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, and CUET.

In a crucial move to uphold the integrity of public examinations, the Government of India has presented "The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024" in the Lok Sabha. The bill tabled by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology aims to curb paper leaks, malpractices, and organized wrongdoing in vital recruitment exams such as UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, and CUET.

The legislation addresses a pressing issue that has plagued examination systems, where question paper leaks and organized cheating have adversely impacted the aspirations and futures of countless students. The proposed bill introduces stringent measures to combat such activities, including a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment for cheating and five to 10 years for those involved in organized crimes of cheating, coupled with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for this legislation, citing instances where states had to cancel or delay public examinations due to the disruptive influence of unfair practices. Organized groups and criminal elements have been exploiting vulnerabilities, deploying solver gangs, impersonation methods, and engaging in paper leaks. The bill aims to serve as a deterrent against such nefarious elements and bring about transparency, fairness, and credibility in the public examination systems.

One notable feature of the bill is its protection of candidates from punitive measures. While it targets organized gangs and institutions involved in malpractices for monetary gains, candidates themselves are shielded from the provisions of the bill. The existing unfair means policy of the examination conducting authority will continue to govern candidates, ensuring that genuine and sincere efforts are fairly rewarded.

Recognizing the increasing role of technology in examinations, the government plans to establish a High-level National Technical Committee on Public Examinations. This committee will focus on developing foolproof IT security systems, devising ways to insulate digital platforms, ensuring comprehensive electronic surveillance of examination centers, and formulating national standards and service levels for both IT and physical infrastructure involved in conducting examinations.

As the nation moves toward greater reliance on online and technology-based exams, the introduction of this bill signifies a crucial step in safeguarding the interests of students and preserving the credibility of India's public examination systems.