Odisha Cabinet Enacts Strict Law to Curb Exam Malpractice

The Odisha Cabinet plans to enforce a new law targeting unfair practices in exams for recruitment and professional education admissions. Offenders face imprisonment and hefty fines. The law aims to regulate exams conducted by bodies like OPSC and OJEE. Additional development schemes were also sanctioned.

The Odisha Cabinet has taken a decisive step to combat malpractice in examinations, announcing a new law aimed at eradicating unfair practices in recruitment and educational admissions. According to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, all offenses under the proposed Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, will be classified as cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.

Per the new law, individuals caught indulging in such acts will face imprisonment ranging from three to five years, accompanied by a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, examination agencies could incur fines up to Rs 1 crore if found culpable. These measures take inspiration from a similar central law, underscoring the state's commitment to maintaining fairness in examinations.

Alongside the legislative measures, Odisha's Cabinet approved substantial budget allocations for various developmental initiatives. This includes the 'Goal for Management and Treatment of Animals' scheme, aimed at animal husbandry, and the extension of the Water Sector Infrastructure Development Programme to enhance irrigation development, among other schemes.

(With inputs from agencies.)