Intro: The Centre has acted against those responsible by arresting the accused and registering non-bailable cases.
Dharwad
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government has introduced stringent measures to prevent examination malpractices, including question paper leaks, with offenders facing up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10 crore under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Dharwad, Joshi said the Narendra Modi-led government is taking the issue of examination irregularities very seriously and has strengthened legal provisions to ensure strict action against those involved in such offences.
“The punishment for those committing examination-related fraud has been increased from five years to ten years, along with a penalty of ₹10 crore,” he said.
Joshi said earlier incidents of question paper leaks were not dealt with firmly, but the present government has taken decisive action. He alleged that previous governments had failed to take adequate measures despite several instances of examination irregularities.
Referring to the NEET question paper leak controversy, the Union Minister said that the government has taken all necessary steps to protect the interests of students.
The government, he said, would not allow the future of students to be affected due to the actions of a few individuals.
Joshi reiterated that maintaining transparency and credibility in competitive examinations is a priority for the government. He said the strict provisions under the new law would act as a deterrent against organised attempts to manipulate examination systems.
The Union Minister also stated that action against those involved in paper leaks would continue and that no person found guilty of compromising the examination process would be spared.
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A re-examination was conducted for affected NEET aspirants and around 22 lakh students were given an opportunity to appear again.
- Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister
