The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has unanimously passed the Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, which introduces stringent penalties for those involved in organized cheating during public examinations. The Bill stipulates severe punishments, including life imprisonment and fines ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
The newly approved legislation aims to address and deter malpractices within the public examination system by imposing harsh penalties on individuals involved in cheating, whether they are directly participating in or facilitating such activities. The Bill also mandates that cases under this legislation be investigated by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
The Bill was debated in the Assembly, with opposition parties calling for it to be reviewed by a Select Committee. However, this demand was rejected, and the Bill was passed through a voice vote.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the gravity of examination malpractices, describing them as a significant injustice to young candidates. “The injustice done to our youth through these malpractices is akin to a national sin. The state government is committed to taking decisive action against those who jeopardize the future of aspiring youths in Uttar Pradesh,” he stated.
The primary objective of the Bill is to enhance transparency and integrity within the public examination process, ensuring that students and competitive examinees can trust that their efforts will be evaluated fairly. The legislation will not hold students or examinees criminally responsible, focusing instead on penalizing those who orchestrate or facilitate cheating.
The Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, is set to come into force on July 15, 2024, once it receives the President’s assent. The new law is expected to strengthen the credibility of public examinations and assure candidates of a fair and unbiased evaluation process.
