June 22nd 2024.
The Indian government has recently taken a major step towards ensuring fairness and integrity in competitive examinations. A new law has been put into effect that seeks to crack down on fraudulent practices and wrongdoings in such exams. This law includes strict penalties such as a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a hefty fine of up to Rs 1 crore for those found guilty.
After nearly four months since President Droupadi Murmu gave her approval to The Public Examinations Act, 2024, the Personnel Ministry has finally issued a notification on Friday night, stating that the law will officially be implemented on June 21. This move holds great significance, especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding the UGC-NET 2024 exam's question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation has already launched an investigation into the matter.
The opposition parties have also raised concerns about irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, whose results were announced by the National Testing Agency on June 4. With these issues in the spotlight, the government's decision to enforce the Public Examinations Act comes at a crucial time.
The notification reads, "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section of section 1 of the Public Examinations Act, 2024, the Central Government hereby appoints the 21st day of June, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force." This notification comes just a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was asked about the implementation of the law. The minister had responded by saying that the law ministry was in the process of framing the necessary rules.
This bill, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on February 9 and the Lok Sabha on February 6, was given the final approval by President Murmu on February 12, making it a law. Its main objective is to prevent cheating and other unfair means in public examinations conducted by various government agencies such as the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railways, Banking recruitment exams, and the National Testing Agency.
The Act includes provisions for strict punishment, ranging from a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment for cheating, to five to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 1 crore for those involved in organized cheating activities. This law is a significant step forward, as there was previously no specific substantive law to address unfair means or misconduct in public exams conducted by the central government and its agencies.
According to Union Minister of State for Personnel, Jitendra Singh, the main purpose of this Act is to prevent organized gangs and institutions from engaging in fraudulent activities for monetary gain. It also aims to protect the candidates from such malpractices. With this new law in place, the government hopes to ensure a fair and transparent examination process for all.
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