As sweeping law against paper leaks takes effect, experts call for broader scope, stronger oversight
Published by Moneycontrol
The Act aims to curb leaks, malpractices as well as organised crime in recruitment and entrance examinations. It contains provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for those involved in organised crimes.
The Central government on June 21 notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to prevent a repeat of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) UG and NET fiascos in future.
The Act aims to curb leaks, malpractices as well as organised crime in recruitment and entrance examinations, and contains provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for those involved in organised crimes.
Law experts say the step is in the right direction but lacks long-term applicability to curb such crime. They say that since the NEET UG 2024 paper leak has shown that gangs work in tandem with officials and technology to exploit loopholes, the government should explore enlarging the scope of punishment and inspection.