New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved an ordinance that prescribes life imprisonment and a maximum penalty of Rs 1 crore for those involved in unfair practices and paper leaks in public examinations. The ordinance, which also criminalises the distribution of fake question papers and the creation of fake employment websites, was given the nod during a cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Forty-three out of 44 proposals were given the nod, Hindustan Times reported.
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said the cabinet approved the state government’s proposal to implement the ‘Prevention of Unfair Means and Paper Leaks in Public Examinations Ordinance-2024’. It mandates severe penalties for those involved in paper leaks, including institutions and associated individuals, with punishments ranging from 2 years to life imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 1 crore.
The ordinance covers the Public Service Commission, Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Board, Uttar Pradesh Board, universities, authorities, or institutions nominated by them. It applies to all recruitment examinations, regularisation or promotion exams, and entrance exams for degrees, diplomas/certificates/educational certificates.
“If an examination is compromised, the financial burden will be recovered from the solver gang, the involved institutes and service providers will be permanently blacklisted. The Act also includes provisions for property attachment in case of a crime. All offences under this ordinance are classified as cognizable, non-bailable, and triable by the sessions court and are non-compoundable. Stringent conditions for bail have also been established,” said Khanna.
“In the absence of an Assembly session, an ordinance has been proposed in place of a bill. The council of ministers has approved the proposal, after which the ordinance process will be completed and implemented,” he added.