New Delhi: After being passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the anti-paper leak bill has now received the President’s assent. It has thus become an Act, poised to serve as a milestone in curbing paper leaks, cheating, and various other irregularities in competitive examinations. The Central Government has taken this step to ensure transparency in the examination process.
Following the President’s approval, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act has been implemented nationwide. The law mandates stringent penalties for offenders involved in cheating mafias and paper leak rackets; in addition to imprisonment, fines will also be imposed. Furthermore, provisions have been made for the expedited hearing of cases related to paper leaks. This Act is designed to be extremely strict, acting as a formidable deterrent against those engaging in malpractice.
New Law Comes into Effect Immediately Upon Approval
The Public Examinations Amendment Act will prove to be very harsh for cheating syndicates and paper leak gangs. With the President’s assent, the amendment bill has now fully transformed into law. The Central Government had previously passed it in both Houses of Parliament before securing the President’s approval. This new law introduces several significant amendments to the existing ‘Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act’.
The primary objective of this new law is to completely curb paper leaks, cheating, technical breaches, and other forms of malpractice in competitive examinations. It provides for strict action and fines against gangs, coaching institutes, service providers, and anyone involved in collusion regarding examination irregularities.
All Major Examinations Covered
All major examinations in the country will fall under the ambit of this amended law. This includes public examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), National Testing Agency (NTA), and various ministries and departments of the Central Government.
PM Narendra Modi Has Also Warned ‘Paper Mafias
It is worth noting that after the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, describing it as a historic step for the examination system. He stated that the government has long been working continuously to strengthen the credibility of public examinations. PM Modi stated that the ‘paper leak mafia’ and anyone who toys with the future of students will not be spared at any cost.
PM Narendra Modi had assured that the examination system would be strengthened even while the students were protesting. Now, this has been implemented across the country.
