NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft bill prescribing harsher punishment for examination paper leaks, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in a midnight video message that the government would move to tighten the law.
The bill will seek Parliament’s approval for amending the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 and proposes a minimum jail term of five years for those involved in paper leaks, up from the current three years. In cases of organised paper leaks, the punishment could extend up to 10 years in prison along with a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, a sharp jump from the existing three to five years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister at the Parliament House complex, decided that the amended law would target organised gangs and institutions profiting from examination fraud, while shielding ordinary candidates from its harsher provisions. Officials said the government also intends to set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials of the offenders.
The existing law already covers major recruitment and entrance examinations, including the UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE and CUET.
Announcing the move on Thursday night, Modi had said the Cabinet would take up a draft law providing for stricter punishment and quicker trials in paper-leak cases. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Friday that the bill would be introduced “at the earliest,” adding that the prime minister had directed there be no delay in bringing legislation concerning students.
“We are preparing to present the bill. After the Cabinet briefing, we will announce the timing... It would not be appropriate to obstruct such a measure,” Rijiju said, while accusing the Congress of trying to disrupt parliamentary proceedings. He warned that any attempt to stall debate on the bill would draw public anger. Sources indicated the bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament on Monday.
The Cabinet’s decision comes against the backdrop of sustained protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and growing demands for stronger safeguards against paper leaks. It also follows talks between Union ministers and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the agitation.
CJP leaders said the Centre had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while agreeing in principle to compensate families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and to withdraw cases against protesting students.
Late on Friday evening, PM Modi shared another video on Instagram thanking Gen Z for watching his earlier video and offering “insightful suggestions” to help the Centre tackle the paper leak issue.
Day’s developments
1. CRPF has initiated an enquiry into allegations against the RAF personnel using excess force and pellet guns during July 20 march
2. SC said it will ensure end of ad-hocism in NEET and institutionalise the exam system, and sought govt’s response on online exam mode
3. SC to hear on Monday two pleas alleging police excesses on students during Sansad march on July 20 protesting the NEET paper leak
4. About 47 officials of the National Testing Agency have been sacked, with the Centre saying it will overhaul the testing body
5. Delhi Police has installed additional CCTV units in and around Jantar Mantar and erected more barricades for weekend surge of crowd
6. Delhi Police cancels all routine leaves of its personnel with immediate effect in view of the prevailing law and order situation
STF formed to probe exam-related offences
Delhi Police has constituted a special task force (STF), headed by a deputy commissioner of police of the Crime Branch to investigate offences related to public examinations. The police said the STF will also ensure smooth coordination with prosecution agencies.
