The Centre has put into action a strict law aimed at stopping malpractices in competitive exams. This law, known as The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, includes severe penalties such as up to 10 years in jail and fines reaching Rs 1 crore for offenders. This follows President Droupadi Murmu’s approval of the Act nearly four months ago. The law has become effective from June 21.
This move comes amidst controversies like the recent UGC-NET 2024 question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation has already started probing this issue. Additionally, opposition parties have raised concerns about irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam.
The Act targets cheating in public exams conducted by entities such as the UPSC, SSC, railways, banking recruitment exams, and the NTA. It imposes strict punishments, including three to five years of imprisonment for general cheating and five to 10 years, plus a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore, for organized cheating crimes.
Previously, there was no specific law addressing unfair practices in public exams. This Act is designed to dismantle organized cheating operations and protect honest candidates. Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh emphasized the law’s role in safeguarding the integrity of public examinations.
(With PTI Inputs)