In an assertive move to combat the rampant issue of paper leaks, the Central Government has implemented the Public Examination Act 2024. This law aims to prevent rigging and irregularities in competitive examinations, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all candidates. The Public Examination Act, also known as the Anti Paper Leak Act, prescribes stringent penalties for offenders, including a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
Introduction:
The Public Examination Act 2024 has been introduced by the Central Government to address the persistent issue of paper leaks in competitive exams. This law aims to bring more transparency to the examination process and assure candidates that their efforts will not be undermined by unfair practices.
Details of the Public Examination Act 2024:
Under the Public Examination Act 2024, all cases related to paper leaking will be treated as compound crimes, making them cognizable and non-bailable. The law applies to major public examinations conducted by bodies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), National Testing Agency (NTA), and recruitment exams across all central ministries and departments.
Provisions and Penalties:
- Leaking Examination Papers: Leaking or tampering with question papers and answer sheets is now a criminal offense, with a minimum jail term of 3 years, which can extend up to 10 years. Offenders can also face fines up to Rs 1 crore.
- Involvement of Officials: If any government official is found involved in examination-related irregularities, they will face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
- Service Providers: Agencies or service providers involved in the examination process are also liable to penalties. If senior officials are found authorizing or participating in such offenses, they will face stringent punishment.
Specific Crimes Defined Under the Act:
- Leaking question papers or answer keys.
- Unauthorized possession of question papers or OMR sheets during exams.
- Assisting candidates in writing answers.
- Tampering with examination answer sheets or OMR sheets.
- Violating security standards set for public examinations.
- Creating fake websites or issuing fake admit cards.
Impact and Implementation:
The notification for the implementation of the Public Examination Act 2024 was issued amid rising protests over the NEET UG paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting various national-level recruitment examinations, has faced significant challenges, leading to the cancellation of multiple exams due to reported irregularities.
Public Reaction and Future Prospects:
Despite the government’s efforts, protests continue across the country, with NEET candidates demanding the cancellation and re-conducting of the exam. The effectiveness of the Public Examination Act 2024 in curbing examination rigging remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step towards ensuring a fair examination process.
For more details, visit the official government website: www.officialwebsite.com.
Conclusion:
The Public Examination Act 2024 represents a robust effort by the Central Government to tackle the issue of paper leaks and bring transparency to competitive examinations. While the law’s impact will be closely watched, it sends a strong message against examination-related malpractices.
