New Delhi: Amid the massive row over UG-NEET and UGC-NET examinations, the centre has enforced stringent measures aimed at curbing paper leaks and cheating. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, officially notified by the Centre, introduces severe penalties for those involved in such malpractices. The law, passed in February, took effect on Friday following a recent uproar and legal challenges over alleged irregularities in these competitive exams.
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- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was notified, aiming to curb cheating and paper leaks in public examinations.
- Individuals found guilty of leaking papers or tampering with answer sheets face a minimum jail term of three years, extendable to five years, and fines up to ₹10 lakh.
- Examination service providers aware of offences but failing to report them can be fined up to ₹1 crore.
- Senior officials involved in offences may face three to ten years in prison and fines up to ₹1 crore.
- Organised crimes by examination authorities or service providers result in five to ten years in jail and fines of ₹1 crore.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is mentioned in the notification, but Indian Penal Code provisions remain effective until July 1, when new criminal laws are implemented.
- Nearly 24 lakh students appeared for the NEET-UG exam on May 5.
- Results were announced on June 4, earlier than scheduled June 14.
- Allegations of a question paper leak and grace marks to over 1,500 students led to protests and court cases, including Supreme Court involvement.
- The Education Ministry cancelled the UGC-NET exam a day after it was held, affecting over 9 lakh candidates.
- The opposition, strengthened by its improved performance in the Lok Sabha polls, criticized the government and plans to raise the issue in Parliament during the upcoming session.
