The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a draft bill that proposes harsher penalties for those involved in leaking examination papers, according to sources. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House complex.
Background of Paper Leak Cases
The bill aims to address the growing menace of paper leaks that have plagued competitive exams like NEET and UPSC in recent years. Under the current laws, punishments are often inadequate, leading to repeated offenses. The government has faced public outcry and demands for stricter action after several high-profile incidents where question papers were compromised before exams.
Details of the Draft Bill
The draft bill, which will now be introduced in Parliament, includes provisions for imprisonment and hefty fines. Sources indicated that the new law would cover a wide range of examinations conducted by central and state agencies. The proposed punishments are significantly stricter than those under existing legislation, aiming to act as a strong deterrent against malpractices.
While specific penalty amounts were not disclosed, the bill is expected to include minimum jail terms and fines that could run into lakhs of rupees. The legislation also targets organized syndicates that profit from paper leaks, with provisions for seizure of assets.
Next Steps and Impact
The draft bill is set to be tabled in the upcoming parliamentary session for discussion and passage. Once enacted, it will replace or amend existing laws governing examination security. This move is expected to restore faith in the examination system and ensure a level playing field for millions of students across the country.
The Cabinet's approval marks a significant step in the government's efforts to tackle corruption and malpractices in education. Officials believe the new law will help in reducing the number of paper leak incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.
