Article 3: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 Passed by Lok Sabha
Why in news: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha amid protests over NEET-UG paper leaks and allegations of police excesses against student demonstrators.
Key Details
- The Bill strengthens the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 by introducing stricter penalties and faster investigations.
- It provides for time-bound investigation and trial of paper leak and examination malpractice cases.
- The legislation was passed amid Opposition protests over alleged police action during the NEET-UG agitation.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh denied allegations that security forces fired at protesting students.
- The government stated that the law aims to protect the integrity of public examinations and safeguard students' interests.
Process of Passage of Bills in the Lok Sabha
Drafting of the Bill
- The Bill is drafted by the concerned Ministry in consultation with stakeholders.
- It is examined by the Ministry of Law and Justice for legal consistency.
- The Union Cabinet approves Government Bills before introduction.
- Private Members can also draft and introduce Bills.
- The Bill is prepared in the prescribed legislative format.
Introduction of the Bill (First Reading)
- The Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha by a Minister or a Private Member.
- Prior permission of the House is obtained where required.
- The title and objectives of the Bill are presented.
- No detailed discussion takes place at this stage.
- The Bill is published in the Gazette of India.
Second Reading
- General discussion is held on the principles and objectives of the Bill.
- The House may:
- Take the Bill into consideration.
- Refer it to a Department-related Standing Committee or Select Committee.
- Circulate it for public opinion.
- The Committee examines the Bill in detail and submits its report.
- The House then resumes consideration of the Bill.
Clause-by-Clause Consideration
- Each clause of the Bill is debated individually.
- Members may move amendments to specific provisions.
- Every amendment is discussed and put to vote.
- Clauses are adopted with or without amendments.
- This is the most detailed stage of legislative scrutiny.
Third Reading and Passage
- Debate is limited to the overall merits of the Bill.
- Only formal or verbal amendments are generally allowed.
- The Bill is put to vote.
- It is passed by a simple majority of members present and voting, unless the Constitution requires a special majority.
- After passage, the Bill is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
Conclusion
Strong legal provisions are essential to deter examination malpractice, but lasting reforms require institutional autonomy, secure examination systems, transparent governance, and greater accountability. Alongside strict enforcement, improving technological safeguards, administrative capacity, and public trust is crucial for ensuring fair, credible, and merit-based public examinations that uphold the aspirations of millions of students across India.
Descriptive question:
Examine whether stricter anti-paper leak legislation alone is sufficient to restore the credibility of India's public examination system. (!0 marks, 150 words)
Source: The Indian Express