The central government has notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, which provides for imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for malpractice and organised cheating in government recruitment exams. From June 21.
However, the UGC-NET exam, which was cancelled on June 19 on the ground that it was compromised and is being investigated by the CBI, will not be covered under the new law.
The central government has notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, which provides for imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for malpractice and organised cheating in government recruitment exams. From June 21.
New law against exam leaks amid NEET chaos: Jail term and fine up to Rs 1 crore
All offences under the Act will be cognisable and non-bailable.
In a significant move amid the controversy over the NEET and UGC-NET exams, the Centre released a stringent law passed in February to prevent paper leaks and cheating.
The notification of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 came just a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was asked when it would be implemented. The minister said the law ministry lays down the rules.
Under the law that came into effect on Friday, any person or persons found guilty of leaking the paper or tampering with the answer sheets will be punished with imprisonment of at least three years. This can be extended to five years with a fine of up to 10 thousand Indian rupees. All offences under this Act will be cognizable and non-bailable.
New law against exam leaks amid NEET chaos: Jail term and fine up to Rs 1 crore
All offences under this Act will be cognizable and non-bailable.
In a significant move amid the controversy over the NEET and UGC-NET exams, the Centre released a stringent law passed in February to prevent paper leaks and cheating.
The notification of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 came just a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan asked when it would be implemented. The minister said the law ministry lays down the rules.
Under the law that came into effect on Friday, any person or persons found guilty of leaking the paper or tampering with the answer sheets will be punished with imprisonment of at least three years. This can be extended to five years with a fine of up to 10 thousand Indian rupees. All offences under the Act will be cognizable and non-bailable.
Turn on unmute
Zoom in on screen
Exam service providers who have knowledge of a potential violation but do not report it can be fined up to Rs 1 crore.
During the investigation, if a senior official of the service provider is found guilty of allowing or participating in the crime, he will be punished with imprisonment of at least three years, which can be extended to 10 years, and a fine of ₹1 crore.
If the investigating entity or the service provider commits an organised crime, the imprisonment will be a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and the fine will still be ₹1 crore.
The notification mentions the Indian Justice Code Act but also states that the provisions of the Indian Penal Code will continue to apply till its enforcement. The code and other criminal laws are set to come into effect from July 1.
Controversies
Around 24 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG 2024 exam for undergraduate medical courses, which is also conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), on May 5. The results were announced on June 4, 10 days ahead of schedule, but allegations of question paper leak and under-reporting of marks by over 1,500 students triggered protests. Cases have also been brought before courts, including the Supreme Court, which has criticised the NTA.
On Wednesday, the education ministry cancelled the UGC-NET exam just a day after it was held. Over 9,000 candidates appeared for the exam, which is held to determine eligibility for assistant professor posts in universities and colleges and for junior research fellowships. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, education minister Pradhan said the UGC chief had received information from the Home Ministry’s cyber crime team about questions posed on the dark web.
Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
He described the NEET-UG medical paper leak and other allegations as isolated incidents but said he takes moral responsibility.
