PATNA: The Bihar Legislative Assembly passed the Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, aimed at preventing malpractices in government recruitment examinations.
The bill was introduced by the state parliamentary affairs minister, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and passed with a voice vote, despite a walkout by the opposition.
The bill targets unfair practices in exams conducted by various state bodies, including the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), Bihar Staff Selection Commission, Bihar Technical Services Commission, Bihar State University Service Commission, Bihar Police Subordinate Service Commission, and the Central Selection Board of Constable.
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Minister Chaudhary emphasized the importance of the bill in ensuring a fair examination process for the youth. He highlighted the frequent occurrence of exam malpractices, including question paper leaks, and criticized the opposition for not participating in the legislation process.
The bill includes stringent penalties for those involved in malpractices:
1. Individuals: A prison term of three to five years and a fine of ₹10 lakh.
2. Service Providers: A fine of ₹1 crore, along with termination of service and recovery of examination costs.
3. Organized Gangs: Up to 10 years of imprisonment, a ₹1 crore fine, and property confiscation.
The legislation was motivated by recent incidents of paper leaks, including the NEET-UG exam leak involving the Nalanda solver gang and earlier instances in constable and teacher recruitment exams. Similar bills have been passed in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan following the Centre’s enactment of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.