The state government in Mumbai has decided to introduce a strict law to prevent paper leaks and other misconduct in competitive exams. The proposed law includes penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to one crore for individuals found engaging in misconduct during exams.
Sources indicate that the bill is expected to be passed during the current legislative session. Following the recent NEET-UG exam scandal, the central government passed a law aimed at curbing malpractices in competitive exams.
Although the Prevention of Malpractice in Maharashtra Universities, Boards, and Other Specified Examinations Act of 1992 was amended in February 1996 to address malpractice in State Public Service Commission exams, it lacks detailed provisions for addressing misconduct involving advanced technology.
Additionally, the existing law applies only to state and university exams, resulting in less severe punishment provisions. It has been reported that a new law with stricter penalties to prevent malpractice in competitive exams will be enacted following a decision made during a cabinet meeting. In response to the committee's report, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan have implemented laws to combat malpractices in competitive exams.
After malpractices were discovered in state intermediate exams, a committee chaired by former State Public Service Commission chairman Kishore Raje Nimbalkar was formed. Based on the committee's recommendations and the new central government law, the state government has formulated a law to address exam malpractices in various departments including education, public works, rural development, public health, water resources, housing, and revenue.
Under this proposed law, actions such as impersonation, sharing answer sheets, providing copies, assisting examinees, tampering with merit lists, forging admit cards, or manipulating computer systems during exams will be considered offenses. Offenders could face a minimum of three years to a maximum of 10 years in prison if found guilty.
Additionally, service provider organizations caught engaging in malpractice may be blacklisted and fined up to one crore. Directors and senior officers of such organizations could face imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years along with a fine of up to one crore. If individuals connected to an organization conspire to manipulate exams, they may face imprisonment from five to 10 years, a fine of up to one crore, and asset confiscation.
