Anti- Paper Leak Law Comes Into Effect, Jail Term And Fine Upto 1 Crore
In response to the recent protest over the alleged leak of NEET exam papers, the Centre has taken an important step by implementing a stringent law to prevent further paper leaks and cheating.
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, came into effect on June 21 which introduces stringent penalties for those found guilty of malpractices. The Bill was passed by the two Houses of Parliament in the Budget session which was held on February 10.
The notification of the implementation of the law came a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was asked about when it would be implemented. The minister replied that the law ministry was framing the rules.
Read Also: Now, Joint CSIR-UGC-NET Exam Postponed
As per the Act, any found guilty of leaking a paper or tampering with answer sheets will receive a minimum jail term of three years. This can be also extended to five years with a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. All offenses under the Act will be cognizable and non-bailable.
Before this legislation, there was no specific law to deal with the unfair means adopted or offenses committed by various entities involved in the conduct of the examination by the central government and its agencies.
The examination service providers who have knowledge about possible offenses but do not report them will also be fined up to Rs 1 crore.
During the investigation, if it is found that any senior official from the service provider was involved in committing the offence, they will also face imprisonment for a minimum of three years. It can be up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 1 crore will be imposed.
If the service provider or the examination authority gets involved in organizing the crime, the jail term will be a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10, and the fine will remain Rs 1 crore.
On Wednesday, the Education Ministry canceled the UGC-NET examination just a day after it was held. While addressing a press conference, Education Minister Pradhan said that the UGC chairman received information regarding the paper leak.
The opposition has attacked the government over the issue and it is also expected to be brought up in Parliament when the session begins on Monday.
