The Lok Sabha today passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The legislation incorporates several significant provisions, including stringent penalties such as imprisonment for up to ten years, fines of up to ten crore rupees, and the seizure of the properties of convicted offenders. To ensure the expeditious disposal of cases, the legislation mandates that every State Government and Union Territory Administration establish Special Fast Track Courts for the day-to-day trial. It further provides that investigations into offences must be completed within two months from the date the information is recorded at the police station. The trials must be concluded within three months from the filing of the chargesheet.
Replying to the discussion on the bill, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said, the amendment in the bill has been brought to make the law more stringent and ensure speedy justice. He said, the new Bill is a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of students and youth. Dr Singh said, the incidents of paper leaks have taken place in various states ruled by different parties.
Hitting out at the Opposition for their conduct, Dr Singh said that when an important bill is being discussed, the Opposition is playing politics, instead of offering suggestions. He also criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for using unparliamentary language, saying it is inappropriate and unfortunate. Replying to Mr Gandhi’s accusation against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Dr Singh said that the government repeatedly clarified that no shots were fired and only tear gas was used. He said, since no shots were fired, the question of issuing an order does not arise as the authority to issue such an order rests with the magistrate, not the Minister.
Earlier, participating in the discussion, JDU MP Dileshwar Kamait expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the Bill in Parliament, stating that it will ensure a brighter future for students while enhancing transparency in the education system. He said that the bill has been brought in the interest of students. Mr Kamait added that the new legislation provides for time-bound investigations and stringent punishment to ensure accountability and curb malpractices.
Opposing the bill, N K Premachandran of RSP said that the bill is inadequate to achieve the purpose stated in the bill. He alleged that the changes brought in the proposed bill are merely cosmetic.
Participating in the discussion, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that the education system in the country has now become very expensive. He alleged that the money spent on conducting NEET-UG examination is more than the education budget of the country. Mr Gandhi said that the Students’ protest on the NEET issue was not violence or hatred but a deep expression of the youth, and all political parties must respect this expression.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly objected to the remarks of Rahul Gandhi against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Mr Rijiju demanded that Mr Gandhi should apologise in the House for his remarks. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also requested Mr Gandhi to speak only on the bill and do not level allegations without any facts. The House also witnessed two brief adjournments during the discussion. After passing the bill, Mr Birla adjourned the House till 11:00 AM tomorrow.
