Assam is poised to set a pioneering example in combating cheating during public exams, with the state government introducing a bill that outlines severe penalties for those involved. If enacted, this legislation would make Assam the first state in the country to enforce such stringent measures to curb academic dishonesty.
In a bill presented in the assembly, the Assam government has recommended a minimum punishment of five years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of ₹10 lakh for individuals found guilty of cheating. The ambit of the proposed legislation, titled the Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024, is expansive, encompassing not only examinees but also the authorities responsible for exam administration.
According to the government’s statement, the bill suggests penalties ranging from imprisonment for five to ten years and fines ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore. This comprehensive approach aims to address the issue at various levels, targeting both those attempting to cheat and the officials overseeing the examination process.
Specifically addressing examinees engaged in cheating, the proposed legislation outlines a less severe penalty of three years of imprisonment and a ₹1 lakh fine. However, failing to pay the imposed fine would result in an additional two years of incarceration.
This legislative move reflects Assam’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination system and ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation process. If the bill is enacted, it could potentially pave the way for other states to consider similar measures to tackle the pervasive issue of cheating in academic assessments.
As Assam takes a bold step towards implementing strict measures against cheating, the proposed law serves as a precedent that underscores the state’s determination to uphold the sanctity of examinations and promote a culture of academic honesty. The coming months will reveal the trajectory of this groundbreaking initiative and its impact on the broader landscape of exam-related regulations across the country.
