31 January
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a significant development, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget in Parliament on Thursday, marking the commencement of the last session of the 17th Lok Sabha, set to conclude on February 9. The much-anticipated complete budget is slated for presentation post the Lok Sabha elections in April and May.
The government, having completed all preparations for the interim budget, is also gearing up to tackle the issue of cheating and irregularities in competitive exams. Sources indicate that a new bill, the “Public Examination (Prevention of Unwary Means) Bill 2024,” may be introduced in Parliament next week. If passed, the bill proposes stringent measures, including ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to one crore rupees, to combat organized crime, mafia elements, and government officials involved in nefarious alliances related to competitive exams.
Crucially, the bill emphasizes that its primary objective is not to target students but to take action against those engaged in criminal activities surrounding examinations. Furthermore, it envisions the establishment of a high-level technical committee tasked with making recommendations to enhance the security of computerized examination processes.
The Union Cabinet recently approved the bill, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the examination system. With the looming threat of cheating and irregularities, the proposed legislation aims to safeguard the sanctity of competitive exams, fostering a fair and transparent evaluation process.
As the budget session unfolds, the nation awaits further details on the interim budget’s fiscal policies and the potential impact of the proposed bill on the education sector. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as the government navigates economic priorities and endeavors to fortify the examination system against malpractices.