Amidst widespread controversies and allegations of question paper leaks in NEET and UGC NET examinations, the Central government has enforced a new law to prevent unfair practices in national entrance exams. This move comes in wake of allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the recent NEET-UG results, with 67 students achieving top scores under suspicious circumstances. The law, effective from June 21, 2024, aims to eliminate malpractices and ensure fairness and transparency in exams for central recruitment and admission to central educational institutions.
Curbing Unfair Practices in National Entrance Exams: A New Law in Action
In an effort to combat widespread allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities, the Central government has implemented a new law aimed at preventing unfair practices in national entrance exams. This move follows recent controversies surrounding the NEET-UG results, where 67 students allegedly achieved top scores under suspicious circumstances.
Background
Unfair practices in national entrance exams have been a persistent problem, with allegations of paper leaks, cheating, and impersonation tarnishing the reputation of these crucial assessments. In the past, several high-profile cases have raised concerns about the integrity of these exams.
One notable incident occurred in 2013, when the CBSE paper leak scandal rocked the country. The leak involved the premature circulation of question papers for the Class X and XII board exams, leading to widespread outrage and the cancellation of the exams.
In 2017, the NEET paper leak scandal saw the cancellation of the exam after allegations of manipulation and unfair practices. The subsequent re-examination was marred by irregularities, further eroding public trust.
The New Law
The new law, known as the "Unfair Practices in National Entrance Examinations (Prevention) Act, 2024," came into effect on June 21, 2024. It aims to eliminate malpractices and ensure fairness and transparency in exams for central recruitment and admission to central educational institutions.
Key provisions of the law include:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: What are the penalties under the new law? A1: Individuals convicted of unfair practices can face imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to five lakh rupees. Organizations involved in malpractices can be fined up to ten lakh rupees.
Q2: What are the responsibilities of the National Examination Monitoring Authority (NEMA)? A2: NEMA is responsible for overseeing the conduct of national entrance exams, including the appointment of observers, the allocation of examination centers, and the investigation of irregularities.
Q3: Can the law prevent all unfair practices? A3: While the law is a significant step towards curbing malpractices, it cannot fully eliminate all unfair practices. However, it sends a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences.
Q4: What are the potential challenges in implementing the law? A4: Implementing the law may pose challenges such as ensuring sufficient resources for surveillance and monitoring, addressing corruption within the examination system, and educating students about the consequences of unfair practices.
Q5: What impact will the law have on students? A5: The law is expected to create a more level playing field for students, reducing the influence of unfair practices and ensuring that merit is rewarded. It also aims to restore public trust in the credibility of national entrance exams.
During the ongoing Parliament Winter Session, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram highlights issues with the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, specifically the harassment faced by individuals due to repeated KYC updates and lack of transparency in the process. He also questions the reliability of CIBIL scores and the absence of a proper redressal mechanism, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by a significant portion of the population.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a ban on the public consumption of beef in the state, including in restaurants and community gatherings. This decision was prompted by recent statements from Congress leaders accusing the BJP of using beef as a means to win votes. The ban will be included in the existing Assam Cattle Preservation Act and applies to all cattle, excluding buffaloes. This comes after BJP's victory in the Muslim-majority seat of Samaguri, causing a major shock for Congress. BJP's offer to introduce a beef ban in the state if Congress asks for it has sparked controversy and criticism.
Pritam J. M. Mhatre, a 42-year-old graduate and representative of the Peasants and Workers Party of India, is set to run for the Assembly Elections in Uran in 2024. With a net worth of Rs 55.5Crore, he is the wealthiest candidate in the state. However, Mhatre also has three pending cases against him and Rs 10.7Crore in liabilities. He is engaged in various professions, including agriculture and land buying, in addition to his service career.
In a scathing criticism of former Chief Ministers of Kashmir, Dr. Abhijeet Jasrotia of the BJP condemned Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti for their alleged divisive politics and failure to protect the rights and safety of minorities. He highlighted the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits and the Nadimarg massacre, holding the leadership responsible for prioritizing political gains over justice. In contrast, he praised the BJP-led Government's inclusive development initiatives and called for rejecting divisive politics for the sake of peace and progress in the region.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held a significant meeting to discuss efforts towards economic growth and development in the state. The focus was on strengthening the hydrocarbon sector and attracting investments to Assam through the Advantage Assam Summit 2025. This collaboration between the state government and the central government showcases their dedication to driving industrial progress in the region.
The ongoing investigation into the recent communal clashes in Sambhal leads to a possible Pakistan connection and the UP Police have recovered ammunition manufactured by the Pakistan Ordnance Factory. As the violence is being investigated by a special investigation team, the UP government has decided to relaunch its controversial ‘naming and shaming’ campaign. This campaign will display names, recovery amounts, and photographs of suspects involved in the violence in public places. The tension in Sambhal began due to a crowd resisting a court-ordered survey of the 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid, which was being investigated for allegedly being built atop a temple.
After the discovery of a ship allegedly carrying ration rice in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has demanded immediate action and attention to the significant security failures and oversight deficiencies in the port. As a result, a multidisciplinary team has been tasked with conducting thorough inspections and collecting rice samples from the controversial vessel. The government has also pledged to dismantle the ration mafia that has been operating in the area for the past five years. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
The leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, led a Congress delegation to Sambhal, where recent violence has claimed four lives. However, Gandhi was stopped at the district borders by police and administration officials citing prohibitory orders. Despite attempts to negotiate, Gandhi was not allowed to enter the district and returned back to Delhi. His sister and fellow Congress MP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed disappointment at the denial of Gandhi's constitutional right to visit the site of the violence. This incident raises questions about the state of civil liberties and freedom of movement in the country.
After intense political drama, the leaders of the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra met the governor to officially stake claim to form a government. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is set to return as the chief minister, while the NCP chief Ajit Pawar will be his deputy. However, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde's role in the government is still uncertain, as the party is insisting on key portfolios like home and housing. With the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, all eyes are on Shinde's decision and whether he will accept the request to become deputy chief minister.
The Karnataka government has sent a proposal to the Governor to reconsider the prosecution of former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa in the Bengaluru Development Authority case. This move is likely to spark a controversy as the Chief Minister and his ministers are already in a confrontational mode following the Governor's consent for prosecution in a different case. The complaint against Yediyurappa was filed by social activist T.J. Abraham, who also happens to be one of the petitioners seeking prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah.