To prevent NEET-like fiasco, Centre introduces strict law: Offenders to face...

The Centre operationalised a strict law to curb malpractices in competitive exams, with penalties up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 1 crore, effective from June 21.

Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG and UGC-NET examinations, the central government on Friday operationalised the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

The Act aims to curb leaks, malpractices as well as organised malpractices in recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC, among others, and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET. It entails 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 Personnel ministry on Friday night issued a notification, saying the provisions of the law will come into force from June 21.

"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," the notification read.

The move came after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reiterated government's commitment to accountability and fairness. Pradhan emphasised that strict actions will be taken against any officials found guilty of malpractice.

The move assumes significance amid a raging row over UGC-NET, 2024, exam's question paper leak. Opposition parties have also alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET-UG, the results of which were announced by NTA on June 4, the same day when the results of Lok Sabha polls were announced.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was passed in both the houses of Parliament in February this year. Following which, President Droupadi Murmu cleared the Bill in the same month, and it became a law.

It is aimed at preventing organised gangs and institutions that are involved in unfair means for monetary gains, but it protects candidates from its provisions.