The Centre brought into force a stringent law in a bid to curb malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations.
Nearly four months after President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the personnel ministry, on Friday night, issued a notification, saying the provisions of the law will come into force from June 21.
The law entails provisions for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for offenders.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the Central Government hereby appoints the 21st day of June, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force," reads the notification from the Centre.
The law aims to put a decisive end to unfair means in the public examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the railways, banking recruitment examinations and the National Testing Agency (NTA) among others.
Stringent provisions in the law include a minimum of three to five years of imprisonment for cheating. Besides, those involved in organised crimes of cheating will face five to 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
Exam service providers who are aware of a possible offence but do not report the crime could be fined up to ₹ 1 crore.
Other provisions in the law include forfeiture of the property of an organisation or institution if they are found guilty of involving in organised paper leaks.
The notification of the Act comes just a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was asked when the legislation would be implemented. The minister had said the law ministry was framing the rules.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on February 9. The Lok Sabha passed it on February 6. President Murmu gave approval to the bill on February 12, turning it into a law.
The decision by the Centre assumes significance in the wake of a raging row over UGC-NET, 2024, exam's question paper leak.
The law is aimed at preventing organised gangs and institutions that are involved in unfair means for monetary gains and protects candidates from its provisions, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh had said.