The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill proposing stricter punishments for offences related to examination paper leaks. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comes amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including demands for stronger action against those responsible for leaks.
The approval follows Prime Minister Modi’s announcement in a video message on Thursday that the government would introduce legislation containing provisions for tougher action against paper leaks in Parliament next week. The proposed Bill is aimed at strengthening the legal framework to deal with individuals and groups involved in compromising the integrity of examinations.
The move comes at a time when protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have intensified over alleged examination irregularities. The group has been demanding accountability for paper leaks, reforms in the education system, and action against officials accused of failing to prevent such incidents.
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The protesters have also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET-UG paper leak in May. The government’s decision to bring a new Bill is expected to be a key point of discussion amid the continuing political debate over examination reforms.
The proposed legislation is likely to focus on preventing organised attempts to leak examination papers, punish those involved in malpractice, and protect the credibility of recruitment and admission processes. The exact provisions of the Bill will be known after it is formally introduced in Parliament.
The Cabinet’s approval marks a significant step by the government in addressing concerns over examination security. The Bill is expected to be presented before Parliament in the coming week as discussions continue between the government, opposition parties, and student groups over reforms in the education system.
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