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Assam : In a proactive move against academic malpractices, the Assam government has introduced the Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024. This legislation, unveiled on the inaugural day of the budget session, carries substantial penalties, including a 10-year prison sentence and a ₹10 lakh fine, for individuals engaging in unfair means during examinations in the state.
The bill, presented by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Social Justice & Empowerment, Information & Public Relations, Pijush Hazarika, underscores the government’s commitment to eliminating unauthorized distribution of question papers and ensuring the sanctity of examinations in Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously announced on January 22 that the state would introduce a bill to legally combat unfair means in examinations. The current bill aligns with this commitment and introduces stringent measures to deter and penalize those involved in malpractices.
The bill explicitly prohibits candidates from possessing question papers without proper authorization. It addresses various malpractices, such as selling question papers and providing assistance to candidates during exams. The provisions include a three-year imprisonment term and a ₹10 lakh fine for engaging in cheating activities. Notably, leaking examination papers, a significant concern undermining the education system’s integrity, is met with a severe penalty of ₹10 lakh and a 10-year prison sentence.
With these robust provisions, the Assam government aims to tackle cheating and unauthorized distribution of question papers, safeguarding the credibility and fairness of the education system. The bill signifies a decisive step towards fostering an environment where merit and genuine efforts determine success in examinations.
