Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Amid nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, the Union Cabinet has approved amendments to strengthen the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The revised bill is expected to be introduced during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament next week.
The proposed legislation includes tougher penalties for those involved in paper leak rackets. Under the amendments, offenders could face up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 crore, making it one of the strictest anti-exam fraud laws in the country.
Cabinet's approval comes as the government seeks to tighten legal measures against organized paper leak networks and restore confidence in the examination system.
Late Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a 2-minute and 56-second video message addressed to students. He described paper leaks as "not a minor issue" but a matter that causes immense distress to millions of students and their parents.
Prime Minister said the government had taken several steps over the past two and a half months to curb examination fraud, adding that those responsible had been arrested and were now in jail.
He also emphasized that the government acted quickly to ensure students did not lose an academic year, noting that 22 lakh students were able to take the examination within a short period and that the results were declared on July 19.
Reiterating the government's commitment to preventing future leaks, PM Modi announced that the revised anti-paper leak bill would be tabled in Parliament next week and that efforts would be made to secure its early passage. He also reaffirmed the plan to establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases to ensure speedy trials and stricter enforcement.
