Centre Notifies Anti-Paper Leak Law Amid NEET-NET Row

The central government has notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to end malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations. The law, which was passed by Parliament in February, came into effect on June 21. Centre took this crucial step amid the controversies surrounding the NEET and UGC-NET exams.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions made the important announcement through a late-night notification on Friday. "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.

Under the law, individuals involved in leaking papers or tampering with answer sheets will face a minimum jail term of three years, extendable to five years, along with a fine of up to ₹10 lakh. Notably, an offence by a service provider will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. 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) will come under this law. According to an India Today report, the anti-paper leak law also has provisions to attach and forfeit the property of an institution if they are found involved in an organised crime.

On Thursday, the central government formed a high-level committee to review the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA). However, the centre clarified that it has not yet decided to cancel NEET-UG 2024. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hold a comprehensive hearing on the matter on July 8.