Bihar Assembly Passes Bill to Combat Examination Malpractice

The Bihar assembly has passed a new bill aimed at curbing the leakage of question papers in recruitment tests. The Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, also prescribes severe penalties for malpractice, including imprisonment and hefty fines for offenders and service providers.

The Bihar assembly on Wednesday approved a bill designed to address the issue of question paper leaks and other malpractices in state recruitment tests.

Named the Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, the legislation was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and passed by voice vote amid an opposition walkout.

The new law aims to prevent malpractices, including question paper leaks, in competitive examinations. It mandates severe penalties, ranging from three to five years in prison and a Rs 10 lakh fine for offenders.

Agencies conducting these tests, termed 'service providers,' could face a Rs one crore fine, a four-year service ban, and even property attachment.

A part of the examination cost will be recovered from the offending service provider, Chaudhary informed the House.

Chaudhary also mentioned that only officers of rank Deputy Superintendent of Police or higher would investigate these cases.

The bill responds to recent incidents such as the BPSC Teachers Recruitment Exam paper leak and aligns with stringent anti-paper leak laws implemented by the Centre and states like Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)