Guwahati, 3rd October: The Assam government, led by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, has announced a forthcoming ordinance aimed at combating cheating and unfair practices in examinations. Under this proposed ordinance, stringent measures will be introduced to deter such activities. This move comes in response to recent incidents, including question paper leaks, that have plagued the state’s education system.
During a press conference held at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati, Minister Ranoj Pegu elaborated on the government’s commitment to addressing the issue. The ordinance will adopt a two-pronged approach to tackle cheating, encompassing actions like question paper leaks and the supply of cheats to candidates. Those involved, including examinees, invigilators, and others facilitating unfair means, will face prosecution under the ordinance.
Minister Pegu emphasized, “Instances of proxy candidates, question paper leaks, selling and purchasing of leaked question papers, reprinting, redistribution, or assisting candidates by providing cheats have been observed during examinations. This ordinance will hold everyone accountable, from the examinees to those involved in any form of cheating.”
This comprehensive ordinance will be applicable to all examinations conducted in Assam, including state government job exams, university entrance exams, board exams, corporation exams, PSUs’ exams, APSC exams, direct recruitment commission exams, medical service board exams, Assam engineering service board exams, teacher entrance exams, secondary school recruitment exams, and police service recruitment exams.
Minister Pegu outlined the two sections of the ordinance, stating, “Examinees found guilty under Section 2J, involving unauthorized assistance in public examinations through materials like printed, recorded, written, or copied content, will face a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of not less than Rs 1 lakh.”
“For those found guilty under Section 10(2), which pertains to impersonation, leaking or attempting to leak, procurement or attempted procurement, sale or attempted sale, printing or attempted printing, solving or attempting to solve question papers, or any unauthorized assistance to examinees, they will face a jail term ranging from five to ten years and a fine of not less than Rs 10 lakh, extending up to Rs 10 crore. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional two years of imprisonment,” he added.