Central Government's Big Plan Against Paper Leaks: What The Proposed Law Will Change

New Delhi: Amidst the increasing number of paper leak cases in competitive examinations across the country, the central government is now preparing to make the law more stringent. According to sources, a proposal to amend the 'Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024' has been prepared. It is believed that this proposal may be discussed in the Union Cabinet meeting to be held on Friday. If approved, both punishment and financial penalties in cases involving paper leaks and organised examination cheating will be made tougher than before. The government says its aim is to strengthen the credibility of the examination system and effectively curb the cheating mafia.

What major changes is the government going to make in the law?

According to sources, under the proposed amendment, punishment may be made more stringent for those found guilty in paper leaks and organised examination scams. In such cases, a provision of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years is being considered. Along with this, the financial penalty can also be increased significantly compared to before. There is talk that the minimum fine can be increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore so that such crimes can be effectively stopped.

Why will the fast-track court get more powers?

There is also a plan to give more powers to the fast-track courts in the proposed amendments so that the hearing of cases like paper leak can be completed faster. The government wants that in such sensitive cases, cases should not remain pending for years and the culprits should be punished soon. This is also expected to strengthen students' confidence in the examination process.

When can the bill be presented in the monsoon session of Parliament?

According to sources, the government is preparing to introduce the amendment bill in the second week of the monsoon session of Parliament. After this, efforts will be made to pass it in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The government says the main objective of the amendment is to increase transparency in the examination system and make the legal framework more effective against organised cheating gangs.

What questions has the opposition raised on the proposed changes?

The opposition has also lodged its objections regarding the proposed changes. Opposition parties say that the law applicable in the year 2024 already exists, so before bringing a new amendment, it should be clear why the existing law could not be implemented effectively. He argues that merely making the law stringent will not solve the problem, but equal attention will have to be paid to its strict and honest implementation.

Why is NEET paper leak case being cited?

• The government says that in the NEET paper leak case, action has been taken against 13 accused under the law of the year 2024 and a fast-track court has also been constituted to hear the case.
• At present, in individual crimes, there is a provision of 3 to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, while in organised crimes, the rule of 5 to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 1 crore is applicable.
• Now the government is moving towards making the examination system more secure and transparent by strengthening these provisions.