GUWAHATI: On the opening day of the Budget Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly, the Assam government tabled the Assam Public Examination Measures and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment Bill, 2024, on Monday.
The move is a resolute effort to eliminate unfair practices that has haunted state and level recruitment exams, especially in the aftermath of recent question paper leaks.
According to the provisions of the Bill, cheating during examinations will now carry a hefty penalty of three years in jail coupled with a staggering fine of Rs 10 lakh.
The severity of the punishment underscores the government’s determination to maintain the integrity of examination processes.
Leaking examination papers, another malpractice that has plagued the education system, will attract an even steeper penalty — a fine of Rs 10 lakh and a prison term of 10 years.
The strict measures are designed to act as a strong deterrent against any attempts to compromise the sanctity of recruitment exams.
This legislative initiative received the green light from the Assam Cabinet on January 23, reflecting the government’s commitment to a transparent and fair examination system.
The urgency for such legislation is highlighted by a recent question paper leak scandal during the sub-inspector exam of Assam Police.
Earlier in the day, the Budget Session got off to a turbulent start as the opposition, comprising Congress, CPI(M), and Independent MLAs, created a noisy scene, forcing Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to cut short his speech.
The disruption, involving placards and slogans, revolved around various issues, including opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, calls for reintroducing the Old Pension Scheme, demands to halt eviction drives, and a plea for the resignation of the Home Minister over the failure to apprehend those who attacked Congress state chief Bhupen Kumar Borah during Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
The audio system’s alleged defects in the new Assembly building added fuel to the opposition’s protest, with Speaker Biswajit Daimary not intervening.
Despite the uproar, the Governor continued his speech, prompting the opposition to boycott the customary tea party after his departure, citing “injustice to the public” by the government.
