New Bill Introduced to Prevent Paper Leaks in Exams
Introduction of the Bill in the Upper House
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has presented a bill in the Rajya Sabha aimed at preventing paper leaks. He highlighted incidents of paper leaks that occurred during the UPA era and in opposition-ruled states after 2014. Singh emphasized that this bill has already been passed in the lower house, where it was discussed for ten hours despite interruptions and noise. He remarked that the bill has now reached the upper house, which he referred to as the chamber of elders, seniors, and wise individuals.
Investigation Timeline and Legislative Background
During his address in the Rajya Sabha, Singh stated that the Special Task Force would complete its investigation into the paper leaks within two to three months. He questioned why there had been no comprehensive law to address the issue of paper leaks in government examinations for decades until the Narendra Modi government introduced the foundational law in 2024. Earlier, the Lok Sabha approved the 'Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026' on Wednesday.
Debate and Disruptions in the House
The discussion on the amendment bill, which aims to include stringent provisions in the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, led to a heated exchange between the ruling party and the opposition, particularly following comments made by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. This resulted in the suspension of the house proceedings for about 40 minutes initially and then again until three o'clock. Upon resuming, Congress MPs raised slogans demanding to speak.
Final Approval and Government Response
Amid the uproar, Minister Jitendra Singh responded to the discussion on the bill, and following his remarks, the house approved the bill by voice vote. After its passage, the Speaker Om Birla adjourned the proceedings for the day amidst the Congress MPs' protests. Singh noted that the government acted swiftly in the NEET paper leak case, transferring the investigation to the CBI on July 12. He mentioned that a charge sheet has been filed in this case, and hearings have commenced. Singh assured that with the new amendment bill in effect, a decision would be reached in the fast-track court within five months.
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