Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “What’s in the new Public Examinations Bill, aimed at stopping cheating in exams?” which was published in the Indian Express. Recently, the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, has been introduced in Lok Sabha. It aims to prevent “unfair means” in order to “bring greater transparency, fairness and credibility to the public examinations system”.

Concerning Current Scenario Related to Paper Leaks, and Delays Exams

• Widespread Leaks: At least 48 cases of leaks in exams across 16 states over 5 years.
  • Impacted over 1.5 crore candidates for 1.2 lakh vacancies.
• Cascading Effects: Long delays between cancellation and re-exams (up to 2 years). 
  • It leads to uncertainty, distress among aspirants and families. 
• Lack of Accountability: Few arrests made and probes drag on without firm action.
  • Points to gaps in conducting foolproof exams securely.
• Knee-jerk Reactions: Many states passing their own laws for stricter punishment, but core systemic issues in the exam process remain unresolved.
• Assurances without Progress: Governments announce probes, laws but ground reality unchanged and multi-dimensional approach missing encompassing technological processes.

Key Provisions Of Public Examinations Bill 2024

• Defines Unfair Means in Exams: Includes leaking questions, mass copying, tampering with OMR sheets, providing solutions by unauthorised personnel etc.
• Covers Major Recruitment Bodies: UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA and other central govt departments.
• Non-bailable and Cognizable Offences: Immediate arrest without warrant. Bail is not a right.
• Punishments: 3-5 years jail with Rs 10 lakh fine for offenders, extra jail term if fine not paid and up to Rs 1 crore penalty for service providers involved.
• Harsher punishment for Organized Crime: 5-10 years jail term, minimum Rs 1 crore fine, candidates not penalised under the Public Examinations Bill and model draft law for states to adopt.

Significance Of Public Examinations Bill 2024

• Deterrence against Leaks: Leaks cause delays and cancellations in exams. It affects the future prospects of lakhs of aspirants.
• Legal teeth to curb Malpractices: No existing central law to tackle this challenge. The Public Examinations Bill 2024 will boost fairness and transparency in recruitments.
• Critical for Aspirants: Leaks erode faith that hard work will be rewarded. The bill aims to safeguard the aspirations of youth.

Conclusion

The recently introduced Public Examinations Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha is a right and required step. Success depends on rigorous enforcement by testing bodies that will require supplementary technological interventions.