New Delhi, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Opposition on Monday questioned the effectiveness of the Centre’s proposed Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, arguing that stronger laws alone cannot prevent examination paper leaks unless systemic failures are addressed.
Ahead of the Bill’s introduction in Parliament, several Opposition MPs claimed that existing legal provisions had failed to deliver accountability in previous paper leak cases and alleged that the government had not taken adequate action against those responsible.
Congress MP Imran Masood said the government had already enacted laws on examination irregularities but failed to ensure effective implementation.
“ You have already enacted laws, and now you are talking about bringing in further laws. Your CBI has not yet filed the chargesheet, and the main accused mentioned has escaped. You do not want to take action; you only want to keep making statements,” Masood said.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha argued that paper leaks were not occurring due to a shortage of laws but because of individuals within the system who allegedly misuse their positions. He said accountability within institutions needed to be strengthened to address the issue.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said the Opposition remained dissatisfied with the government’s response and reiterated demands for an apology over police action during recent student protests.
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain alleged that the government was avoiding discussion on the concerns raised by protesting students. He said the students were seeking broader education reforms rather than only stricter punishments.
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also questioned whether harsher penalties could prevent paper leaks, arguing that such crimes were linked to vulnerabilities in the examination system.
The Opposition’s remarks came ahead of the introduction of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with provisions for stricter penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets of convicted persons, and fast-track trials to ensure judgments within three months.
The Bill follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of measures aimed at strengthening action against paper leaks and examination fraud. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced that a comprehensive law with stronger provisions would be introduced in Parliament.
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