National Desk, 22nd June: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was officially enacted on Friday, June 21, in response to widespread allegations of malpractice in the NEET and UGC NET examinations. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions confirmed the enforcement date via a gazette notification, stating, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 (1 of 2024), the central government hereby appoints the 21st day of June 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.”
Passed during the Budget session on February 10 and assented by President Droupadi Murmu on February 13, the legislation seeks to eliminate “unfair means” in public examinations, promoting “greater transparency, fairness, and credibility.”
The Act targets examinations conducted by authorities such as the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board, National Testing Agency, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, and various central government departments responsible for recruitment.
Key provisions of the Act include the prohibition of disclosing confidential exam-related information prematurely and preventing unauthorized individuals from entering exam centers to cause disruptions. Violations of the Act can result in imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
This legislative move underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of public examinations and ensuring a fair testing environment for all candidates.