Centre to table Public Examinations Amendment Bill on July 27; Vows tougher jail term & penalties against paper leak

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on July 24, Friday approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, amid continuing protests over the NEET examination paper leak. The proposed amendment Bill is likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in Parliament on Monday(July 27).

The decision comes against the backdrop of protests by students demanding accountability, a comprehensive investigation into the paper leak and stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of public examinations.

During the briefing on cabinet decisions, Information and Broadcasting Minsiter Ashwani Vaishnaw was asked several queries about the government’s plan for strict actions against paper leaks and move for constituting a fast-track court. The monsoon session of parliament, which began on July 20, will continue till August 13.

Earlier in the day, representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh to discuss their demands related to the ongoing agitation. CJP’s National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka also claimed that the government was positive on their other two demands, which included compensation for suicide victims of the NEET leak and no FIRs against protesting students.

Meanwhile, Union Minister JP Nadda, after meeting with the representatives, said that the government will hold another meeting with the CJP representatives tomorrow after holding internal discussions on the issues that were raised during Friday’s meeting.

The Minister said that the CJP has put forward three main demands and five suggestions for examination reforms. Nadda told reporters, “The meeting went on for almost two hours. They had three main demands and five reform suggestions for exams. We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow afternoon and tell them about the discussion we had among the Government”.

Amendments to the Public Examinations(Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

As per the sources, the amendments to the Public Examination(Prevention of Unfair Means Act), 2024, is expected to include:

• Minimum punishment for paper leak and unfair means in exams will be enhanced from three years to five years with maximum sentence of 10 years and fine of 50 lacs
• For organised crimes of paper leaks, minimum sentence increased to seven years and fine of 10 crore.
• Central Govt can constituted Special Task Force to investigate paper leaks.
• Investigations have to be completed in two months.
• Speedy trial on day to day basis and trials have to be completed within three months of filing of chargesheet
• Appeals if preferred should be decided within three months

Centre has resolved to reform the educational system and bridge the gaps in the examination system