Government Open to Lengthening Lok Sabha Debate on Anti-Paper Leak Bill to 10 Hours
Debate on Anti-Paper Leak Bill Extended
New Delhi: On Tuesday, Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, announced that the government is prepared to extend the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill to a maximum of 10 hours as the session resumed at 2 p.m.
During the discussions regarding the exam Bill, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal raised concerns about the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, labeling the Bill as 'very important.' The Opposition also called for additional time for the debate.
Rijiju confirmed that the government is open to extending the debate duration, stating, 'Initially, all political parties agreed to a six-hour discussion on the anti-paper leak Bill, which was later increased to eight hours. If the Opposition seeks more time, we are ready to extend it to 10 hours.'
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Personnel, Jitendra Singh, on Monday.
This Bill aims to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The proposed changes are designed to improve transparency and integrity within the examination system by introducing stricter legal measures while safeguarding students' futures. Key features include severe penalties, such as imprisonment for up to 10 years, fines reaching Rs 10 crore, asset confiscation for offenders, and a system to ensure verdicts are issued within three months.
This initiative follows the Union Cabinet's endorsement of the Bill and its provisions, which aim to set up fast-track courts and impose stricter penalties for paper leaks and examination fraud.
The announcement comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi revealed plans to introduce a comprehensive Bill aimed at taking strong action against paper leaks in Parliament.
According to the proposal, fast-track courts will be required to conclude trials and issue judgments within three months, ensuring prompt justice for examination-related crimes.