Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Union government will introduce a new Bill in Parliament next week to prevent question paper leaks, amid continuing protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak.
According to sources, the government plans to bring amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The proposed changes may receive approval at a Cabinet meeting scheduled for this afternoon.
In line with the Prime Minister’s assurance, the amendments could include a provision to set up fast-track courts to handle document leak cases. The move is aimed at speeding up investigations and trials related to exam irregularities.
The proposed provisions are expected to enable stricter imprisonment and heavier fines. At present, the law provides for jail terms of three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh in individual cases.
If officials involved in conducting public examinations are found to have engaged in malpractice, they could face fines of up to Rs 1 crore. The Centre has indicated it intends to use the tougher framework to decisively curb paper leaks.
