The Lok Sabha passed the Bill after rejecting some amendments proposed by opposition members.
Digital Desk: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 has been approved by the Lok Sabha. the bill aims to combat malpractices and irregularities in government recruitment examinations by imposing severe punishments, such as a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill after rejecting some amendments proposed by opposition members.
There is no specific substantive law to deal with unfair methods used or offenses committed by different entities involved in the administration of public examinations, according to the Bill put out by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
"It is imperative that elements that exploit vulnerabilities of the examination system are identified and effectively dealt with by comprehensive Central legislation," the bill reads.
According to the Bill, "public examinations" will include exams given by the National Testing Agency, Ministries or Departments of the Central Government, Railway Recruitment Boards, Staff Selection Commission, Union Public Service Commission, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, and any other authorities that the Center may notify.
The present administrative rules of the relevant public examination authority will continue to apply to candidates, as described, and they will not be subject to legal action under this Bill.
PROPOSED PUNISHMENT FOR EXAM MALPRACTICE
A fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and a minimum sentence of three years in prison, with the possibility of five years, are the penalties for using unfair tactics, as stated in the bill.
An examination body, service provider, or other institution that is involved in an organized crime shall be subject to a minimum five-year prison sentence, with the possibility of a ten-year sentence, as well as a fine of a minimum of one crore rupees.
If an institution is found to be involved in organized crime, its property shall be subjected to attachment and forfeiture, and the proportionate cost of the examination shall also be recovered from it.
Only the examination center is allowed to hold public exams under this bill, and any infractions will result in a conviction that is not subject to a bond or compounding. Individuals may, however, escape responsibility if they can show that they were unaware of the offense and that they took all reasonable measures to prevent it.
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