ANTI-PAPER LEAK LAW

In a belated attempt to uphold the integrity and sanctity of the examination system, the Centre, in view of the swirling controversies surrounding the NEET and UGC-NET examinations, has notified a stringent law that was passed in February to prevent paper leaks and cheating.

The February law proposes that any person found guilty of leaking a paper or tampering with answer sheets will receive a minimum jail term of three years. This can be extended to five years with a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. Service providers who have knowledge about a possible offence but do not report it can be fined up to Rs 1 crore.

Known as the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, this ‘antipaper leak’ legislation covers examinations held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission, the Railways, banking recruitment examinations and all computer-based examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The late night move came even as another exam -- the CSIR-UGC-NET examination, scheduled to take place from June 25, was also postponed due to "unavoidable circumstances." This exam too, was to be conducted by the National Testing Agency. The joint CSIR-NET exam is conducted for Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship and Assistant Professor posts in Indian universities and colleges.

Minister of State (MoS) for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said, “The Bill is aimed at curbing corrupt practices by few unscrupulous elements that play havoc with the future of our youth, destroying their careers and aspirations and occasionally resulting in fatal suicides.”