Paper leaks, organised malpractices in recruitment exams to attract punishment

The Central government on Monday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha titled "The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024” to check leaks, malpractices as well as organized malpractices in recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC etc, and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh introduced the Bill in the House. 

While introducing the Bill, Minister Singh said that the Bill is aimed at preventing organised gangs and institutions that are involved in unfair means for monetary gains and also protects candidates. 

He also informed, “High-level National Technical Committee on Public Examinations will be set up to develop a protocol for developing foolproof IT security system for online and technology-based exams.”

While the Bill proposes a punishment of a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment to curb cheating, those involved in organised crimes of cheating will undergo five to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.