The central government is preparing to tighten existing anti-cheating laws to curb question paper leaks, following a late-night video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the issue. Sources indicate that proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, are expected to be put before the Union Cabinet for approval later today. Aligning with Mr Modi’s announcement, the refreshed legislation is likely to include the creation of fast-track courts specifically tasked with handling paper leak cases.
These upcoming changes are set to introduce tougher prison sentences and heftier financial penalties. Under the current framework, individual offenders face between three and five years in prison alongside a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, while service providers caught facilitating malpractices can be penalised up to Rs 1 crore. For organised syndicates driving exam fraud, existing laws already mandate five to ten years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore, though the updated draft aims to push these deterrents even further.
Speaking in a selfie video shared on X shortly before midnight on Thursday, the Prime Minister confirmed that the draft bill would be discussed with cabinet colleagues on Friday before being brought to Parliament early next week, as the Monsoon session enters its second week, with the government aiming to pass the legislation as quickly as possible.
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