Leader Online Desk: In the wake of the alleged malpractices in the NEET and UGC-NET examinations, the central government has taken a major step to prevent paper-splitting incidents in the future. The government on Friday notified the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Media) Act, 2024. The Act aims to prevent malpractices in competitive and common entrance examinations conducted across the country.
The law, which was passed by Parliament in February this year, provides for a minimum jail term of 3 to 5 years to curb fraud. It also provides for imprisonment of 5 to 10 years and a fine of at least Rs 1 crore for those involved in organized fraud.
The act states that organized crime by a person or group of persons including examination management, service provider or any other organization shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years but not exceeding 10 years and fine not less than Rs 1 crore for the offence.
The Act provides for confiscation of the assets of an organization found to be involved in an organized crime of paper-splitting and recovery of standard examination expenses.
