With increasing incidents of examination paper leaks across the country causing widespread concern, the Maharashtra government has decided to take strong action. A new bill aimed at preventing malpractices in competitive exams was on Friday introduced in the legislative assembly. This bill proposes strict punishments, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to one crore rupees, for those involved in leaking exam papers.
Minister Shambhuraj Desai, who presented the bill, emphasised its importance in maintaining the integrity of competitive exams. He explained that the bill targets anyone who engages in or supports any form of malpractice during exams. This includes the illegal use of written or unwritten material, copied or printed material, and information obtained through electronic devices. Essentially, anyone who tries to gain an unfair advantage through unauthorised means will face severe consequences.
All offences under this new act will be considered serious and will be non-bailable. The punishment ranges from three to ten years of imprisonment, reflecting the government’s determination to put an end to these malpractices. In addition to jail time, offenders will also face hefty fines ranging from 10 lakh to one crore rupees. The bill makes it clear that failing to comply with these rules could lead to additional imprisonment.
The bill also sets out how these offences will be investigated. Only senior officers, not below the rank of deputy superintendent of police or assistant commissioner of police, will be allowed to handle these cases. This ensures that experienced and capable officers are in charge of the investigations. Additionally, the state government has the authority to assign the inquiry to any state investigation agency, allowing for specialised and thorough probes.
Minister Desai highlighted that this bill is a crucial step towards ensuring fairness in competitive exams. Paper leaks and other forms of cheating not only damage the credibility of the exam process but also discourage hardworking and deserving candidates. By implementing strict measures, the government aims to create an exam environment where success is based solely on merit and hard work.
The bill also holds accountable those who help facilitate such malpractices. This includes anyone who provides unauthorised assistance, uses electronic devices to illegally share information, or engages in activities that compromise the integrity of the exams. The comprehensive nature of this bill ensures that all possible forms of cheating are covered, leaving no room for offenders to exploit loopholes, say officials.
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