New Delhi, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Centre on Tuesday expressed its willingness to extend the Lok Sabha discussion on the proposed anti-paper leak legislation to 10 hours, with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assuring the House that the government had no objection to a longer debate on the proposed amendments.
The statement came as the Lok Sabha resumed proceedings at 2 p.m. to take up discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
During the debate, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal objected to the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing the legislation as an important Bill that warranted their presence. The Opposition also sought additional time for discussion.
Responding to the demand, Rijiju said all political parties had initially agreed to a six-hour debate, which was subsequently increased to eight hours. He added that the government was prepared to further extend the discussion to 10 hours if the Opposition desired.
“All political parties had first agreed to six hours of discussion on the anti-paper leak Bill, then it was increased to eight hours. Now, if the Opposition wants more time, we are willing to take it up for 10 hours,” Rijiju said.
The amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh. It seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the objective of strengthening legal safeguards against examination fraud and paper leaks.
Among its key provisions are enhanced penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to ₹10 crore, confiscation of assets of those convicted, and the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure judgments in examination-related offences are delivered within three months.
The proposed legislation follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of measures aimed at improving transparency and integrity in the examination system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced that the government would introduce comprehensive legislation providing for stringent action against paper leaks and examination malpractices.
If enacted, the amendment is expected to create a time-bound legal framework for investigating and prosecuting offences related to public examinations.
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