Welcoming the passage of the legislation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the law marks a significant step towards building a reliable and transparent examination system and warned that those involved in paper leak rackets "will not be spared."

In a video message shared on Instagram after the Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill, the Prime Minister said the government has been working consistently to reform the country's examination system through greater transparency, faster processes and the use of technology.

"Every state and the central government have faced the problem of paper leaks for decades. It has created a crisis for the future of our children. Reforms in the education system have become essential, and technology must play a major role in ensuring fair examinations," PM Modi said.

Taking a strong stand against organised cheating networks, the Prime Minister said the government would act firmly against those who compromise students' futures.

"Any paper mafia or gang involved in paper leaks and playing with the future of the country's children will not be spared. That is why stringent laws are necessary," he said.

PM Modi said the Bill had been discussed extensively in both Houses of Parliament before being passed and expressed confidence that it would strengthen the integrity of public examinations.

"This is a significant step towards a reliable examination system. Our efforts will continue, and we will not allow such circumstances to persist for long," he added.

Bill Introduces Tougher Punishment

The amendment Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha earlier and cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, proposes stricter punishment for those involved in examination-related offences.

Under the new provisions, individuals found using unfair means can face a minimum of five years' imprisonment, extendable up to 10 years, compared to the existing punishment of three to five years.

The maximum fine has also been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

For service providers found guilty of facilitating examination fraud, the Bill proposes raising the maximum fine to Rs 5 crore and extending the period of debarment from conducting public examinations from four years to eight years.

In cases involving organised examination-related crimes, offenders could face seven to ten years in prison and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.

The legislation also empowers the Centre to establish a Special Task Force to investigate paper leak cases. Investigations must be completed within two months, while designated Special Fast Track Courts will conduct day-to-day hearings and complete trials within three months of the filing of the charge sheet. The Bill also provides for the appointment of Special Public Prosecutors for these courts.

The legislation will now be sent to the President of India for assent before becoming law.

Government Says Students' Future Is the Priority

Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh said the legislation aims to safeguard the future of millions of students.
"This concerns every parent and every family in the country. Our young students are one of India's greatest investments," he said.

Singh said the new law would benefit nearly 7.65 crore students and highlighted several education reforms undertaken by the government, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he described as a "game changer."

He also said the number of universities in India had increased from 760 to 1,293, while 400 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are currently operational across the country.

Opposition Supports Bill, Seeks Stronger Measures

Before the Bill was passed, Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress supported the legislation but argued that the proposed changes were largely "cosmetic" and insufficient to completely eliminate examination malpractice.

Kharge called for a National Youth Employment Strategy, a fixed annual examination calendar, faster recruitment to vacant government posts, and an independent probe into police action against protesters.

He also urged the government to fill vacancies in public sector jobs, particularly those reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates, saying examination reforms should be accompanied by greater employment opportunities for young people.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill Passed in Parliament; Opposition Stages Walkout