Lok Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill After Marathon Debate; Dr Jitendra Singh Defends Legislation, Slams Opposition
New Delhi, July 30 (KNC): The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by a voice vote after a marathon debate lasting nearly ten hours, paving the way for a stronger legal framework to combat examination paper leaks, organised cheating, and other unfair practices in public examinations across the country.
Replying to the discussion in the House, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh strongly defended the proposed legislation, asserting that the amendments are aimed at protecting the future of students and preserving the credibility of India’s competitive examination system. He accused the Opposition of politicising an issue of national importance instead of offering constructive suggestions to strengthen the Bill.
During his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh took exception to remarks made by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying that parliamentary decorum must be maintained at all times. Referring to the language used during the debate, the Minister remarked, “Even an idiot can’t call himself an idiot inside Parliament,” stressing that such expressions are inappropriate within the House and do not befit the dignity of parliamentary proceedings.
The Minister expressed regret that while the Government had introduced the legislation to safeguard the interests of millions of students, the Opposition chose political confrontation over meaningful deliberation on reforms aimed at eliminating examination fraud.
Rejecting several allegations made during the debate, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that some Opposition members had raised issues unrelated to the Bill and made factually incorrect claims. Clarifying reports regarding police action, he said no firing had taken place and that only tear gas was used wherever required. He further explained that decisions relating to police firing are taken by the Executive Magistrate and not by Union Ministers.
Questioning figures quoted by Opposition leaders regarding paper leak cases, the Minister said claims that “750 crore children” had been affected were mathematically impossible and unsupported by any authentic evidence.
Highlighting the Government’s action against examination-related crimes, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the House that 52 FIRs have already been registered under the existing legal framework, including 29 cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act and 23 cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), demonstrating the Centre’s commitment to taking stringent action against organised paper leak rackets.
The Minister also highlighted the Government’s achievements in the education sector, stating that the country has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of universities, while the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced multidisciplinary education and greater academic flexibility. He further noted significant expansion in AIIMS institutions, Government Medical Colleges, MBBS seats, and postgraduate medical seats across the country.
Referring to a recent examination paper leak case, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) within days of receiving information. He informed the House that 13 accused were arrested, raids were conducted at 92 locations, and the charge sheet had already been filed, enabling the trial process to commence without delay.
Explaining the key provisions of the Amendment Bill, the Minister said the legislation substantially strengthens punishment for those involved in examination fraud. The amendments propose increasing the maximum imprisonment from five years to ten years, besides enhancing financial penalties. The Bill also provides for stringent action against organised crime syndicates, service providers, directors, management authorities and others involved in examination malpractice.
Additionally, the legislation envisages the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts, fixed timelines for investigation and trial, appointment of Special Public Prosecutors, and the constitution of a Special Task Force to ensure speedy investigation and disposal of paper leak and examination fraud cases.
Concluding the debate, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that every student suicide is a matter of serious concern and reiterated that the amendments are intended to protect honest and deserving candidates while ensuring strict punishment for those attempting to undermine the integrity and credibility of India’s public examination system.
The Bill was subsequently passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote. (KNC)
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