To curb malpractices in the exams and maintain the authenticity in examination process, the Central Government on Monday introduced The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024. Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to deal with the irregularities in school, college exams, entrance tests and competitive exams. Let’s know more about the significance of this bill. • The bill will not affect the students and aspirants who are appearing for the exams with honesty. • The bill is introduced to take stringent action against those who leak question papers, or tamper answer sheets. • If any person or group or government official is found guilty of tampering answer sheets or leaking question papers, they will be fined up to Rs 10 lakh along with a minimum jail term of three-years. • If any service provider is found guilty of misconduct, they will be fined up to Rs 1 crore. • Fool-proof IT security systems will be installed in exam centres to avoid malpractice and enhance surveillance system. • Agencies such as National Testing Agency, Railway Recruitment Boards, Staff Selection Commission, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and Union Public-Service Commission will be covered under the Anti-Cheating Bill for now. The bill will be implemented after receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent.