Parliament Clears Public Examinations (Prevention Of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing the education sector, the Parliament of India has passed The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024. This landmark legislation, designed to eradicate unfair practices in education and examinations, received approval in the Rajya Sabha before being introduced and subsequently passed in the Lok Sabha on February 5th and 6th, 2024, respectively.

The bill is a testament to the government's commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency within the examination system. It seeks to address the concerns plaguing the nation's youth, acknowledging and honoring their efforts to excel in public examinations. With a focus on curbing the malpractices such as question paper leaks and exam rigging, the legislation aims to restore integrity to the examination process and protect the rights of examinees.

Introduction to the Bill

Under the new bill, individuals found guilty of engaging in unfair practices could face imprisonment terms ranging from 3 to 5 years, along with hefty fines exceeding up to ₹10 lakhs. Furthermore, examination service providers implicated in such malpractices may be subjected to fines up to ₹1 crore, reflecting the zero-tolerance policy towards lapses in institutional integrity.

The offenses outlined in the bill are deemed cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, indicating the seriousness with which such acts are now to be treated. Authorities found compromising the lawful conduct of examinations could face investigations leading to severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years.

In instances involving organized crime related to examination malpractices, the bill prescribes a minimum imprisonment of 5 years, extendable up to 10 years, and fines up to ₹1 crore. In the interim period before the full enforcement of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Indian Penal Code will continue to govern the legal proceedings under this bill.

The passage of The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, underscores the principle that academic integrity is paramount. It mandates examination service providers and relevant authorities to uphold the highest standards of conduct, thereby reinforcing the foundation of the education system and eliminating malpractices. This initiative is a critical step towards fostering a culture of honesty and integrity in India's academic examinations.