Uttar Pradesh Government Introduces Stringent Measures to Combat Exam MalpracticeIntroduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
1. Central Government Implements New ‘Anti-Paper Leak’ Law to Safeguard Exam Integrity
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The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions issued a gazette notification stating, “In accordance with the authority vested under sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the central government has appointed June 21, 2024, as the effective date for the implementation of the provisions of the Act.”
2. CM Yogi Adityanath’s Directive
a. Addressing the Issue of Exam Malpractice
- In a high-level meeting in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned activities like paper leaks and the involvement of solver gangs. He stressed the necessity of strict laws to swiftly address such crimes and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
B. Reforms in Examination Centers
- CM Yogi announced significant reforms including the use of government or funded educational institutions exclusively as examination centers in urban areas, equipped with CCTV surveillance in every room.
C. Enhanced Oversight and Process Transparency
- He emphasized the need for comprehensive changes in the recruitment process, advocating for the involvement of different agencies in paper setting and other stages to enhance transparency and confidentiality.
3. Legislative Background and Scope
a. Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
- The Act was passed in both Houses of Parliament during the Budget session, aimed at ensuring fairness and credibility in public examinations. It covers exams conducted by bodies such as the UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Board, NTA, and IBPS. It also covers various central government departments.
b. Penalties and Enforcement
- The Act prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of exam-related information and unauthorized entry into exam centers. Offenders can face imprisonment for three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. All offenses being cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
Note-
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was introduced to address major issues with cheating during exams like NEET and UGC-NET that affected many students in India. This law aims to stop unfair practices in public exams and entrance tests across the country, and it started being enforced last Friday.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, marks a significant step by the Uttar Pradesh government to curb exam malpractice and uphold the sanctity of the recruitment process.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024?
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, is a legislation aimed at preventing paper leaks and other forms of malpractice in public examinations conducted for central recruitment and entrance into central educational institutions. It mandates stringent penalties for offenders to ensure exam integrity.
When did the Act come into effect?
The Act came into effect on June 21, 2024, as per a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
What are the penalties under the Act?
Offenses under the Act can lead to imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. These penalties are applicable for activities such as unauthorized disclosure of exam-related information and unauthorized entry into exam centers.
Which examinations does the Act cover?
The Act covers examinations conducted by various authorities notified by the central government. It also including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), National Testing Agency (NTA), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), and departments of the central government and their attached offices.
What measures has the Uttar Pradesh government announced to tackle exam malpractice?
CM announced only government or funded educational institutions as examination centers with CCTV surveillance in every room. He also emphasized the involvement of multiple agencies in the recruitment process to enhance transparency.