An Elaboration of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Introduction:
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act of 2024 is a pivotal legislative measure aimed at curbing the persistent issue of exam paper leaks and unfair practices in public examinations across India.
- This legislation introduces stringent measures to uphold the integrity and transparency of examination processes, safeguarding the interests of aspirants and bolstering public trust in the education system.
Definition of Public Examination:
- The Act provides a comprehensive definition of a public examination, encompassing a wide array of exams conducted by designated public examination authorities at both the national and state levels.
- This inclusive definition ensures uniform application of the Act across various examination bodies, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Punishments:
- The Act imposes severe penalties on individuals found guilty of engaging in unfair means during public examinations.
- Offences under the Act are treated as cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, underscoring the gravity of such violations.
- The prescribed punishments, including imprisonment and substantial fines, serve as potent deterrents against malpractices.
Punishment for Service Providers:
- Notably, the Act extends liability to service providers engaged by public examination authorities.
- Service providers, including those responsible for conducting exams or providing logistical support, can face hefty fines and other penalties if found complicit in unfair practices.
- This provision ensures accountability across all stakeholders involved in the examination process.
Definition of Unfair Means:
- Section 3 of the Act enumerates various actions constituting unfair means during public examinations, leaving no ambiguity regarding prohibited conduct.
- These actions include leakage of question papers, tampering with documents, and manipulation of computer systems.
- By clearly defining unfair means, the Act facilitates effective enforcement and deterrence.
Investigation and Enforcement:
- The Act mandates that offences under the law be investigated by senior police officers, ensuring a rigorous and impartial inquiry process.
- This provision enhances the credibility of investigation outcomes and instils confidence in the enforcement mechanism, thereby bolstering public trust in the examination system.
Model Draft for States:
- Recognizing the need for a standardized framework across states, the Act offers a model draft that states can adopt.
- By providing a template for state-level legislation, the Act promotes consistency and coherence in addressing exam-related malpractices nationwide, fostering a harmonized approach towards maintaining examination integrity.
High-Level National Technical Committee:
- The establishment of a committee tasked with developing protocols for securing digital platforms and setting national standards for examination infrastructure underscores the government's commitment to modernizing examination systems.
- This committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and integrity of examination processes, particularly in the digital age.
Conclusion:
- In essence, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act of 2024 represents a significant stride towards upholding the integrity of public examinations and restoring confidence in the education system.
- Its robust provisions and stringent penalties underscore the government's resolve to combat malpractices and promote fairness and transparency in examinations, thereby fostering a conducive environment for aspirants to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
