Uttar Pradesh government introduces ordinance against examination paper leaks
The offences under this include the distribution of fake question papers and the creation of fake recruitment websites
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is set to introduce a stringent ordinance to address the recent issue of examination paper leaks that have adversely impacted the country’s countless youth aspirants. The new ordinance, titled the ‘Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations Ordinance 2024,’ aims to enforce strict measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure the integrity of public examinations.
This ordinance will apply to several key examination bodies. It includes the UP Public Service Commission, UP Service Selection Board, UP School Board, and other relevant authorities. The nature of the ordinance indicates the government’s commitment to maintaining the credibility of these examinations.
Among the offences that are covered under this act include the distribution of fake question papers and the creation of fake recruitment websites. The penalties for these offences are severe that range from an imprisonment of minimum two years to lifetime imprisonment, along with a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. This reflects the seriousness with which the government views these offences.
An aspect of the draft is its provision of providing for financial compensation. If any examination is compromised due to the actions of offenders, the ordinance demands that the financial burden of the affected examination will be extracted from the paper solver gangs responsible. Additionally, companies and service providers found guilty of involvement will be blacklisted and making sure they cannot participate in future examination processes.
The ordinance also grants the UP government the authority to attach the properties of offenders. This means that any assets belonging to those found guilty of leaking examination papers can be seized by the government. All offences under this ordinance are non-bailable and will fall under the jurisdiction of the sessions court, emphasising the strict legal approach being taken.
Furthermore, the government will keep a careful watch for possible dangers during the selection of test centres and the confidentiality of printing presses and the transport of printed question papers. Only educational institutions with a solid reputation and clean track record, such as government secondary degree colleges, universities, polytechnics, engineering, and medical colleges, will be chosen as test centres. These institutions must also be well-funded and well-known to qualify.
To ensure the highest level of security, all selected test centres will be required to have CCTV systems installed. The management of recruitment tests will be overseen by four distinct agencies, each responsible for different aspects of the process.
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