On Friday, the Chhattisgarh assembly approved a rigorous bill designed to prevent paper leaks and other unethical practices in public recruitment and professional entrance exams, suggesting penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching ₹1 crore.
The Chhattisgarh (Prevention of Unfair Means in Public and Professional Examinations) Bill, 2026, was approved following an extensive debate in the assembly.Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the new law aims to deliver a firm warning to individuals engaged in exam-related misconduct. "This legislation delivers a stern warning to the exam mafia. Those participating in cheating or irregularities will encounter severe consequences," Sai remarked, emphasizing that the goal is to enhance the transparency and reliability of the examination system.
He mentioned that it is not merely a disciplinary action but also intended to ensure the future of young people.Sai claimed that the recruitment procedures under the former administration were tainted with irregularities, referencing the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) matter, which is presently under investigation by the CBI.
Charan Das Mahant, the Leader of Opposition, endorsed the bill, emphasizing the need for stringent measures against organized cheating rings. Nonetheless, he reproached the government for consistently blaming the former administration.
Mahant stated that while governments may change, it is crucial to tackle the issue earnestly, emphasizing that attention should now be directed towards governance instead of dwelling on the past.The legislation, as outlined in the statement of objects and reasons, aims to improve transparency, integrity, and fairness in exams for recruitment and admissions to higher education institutions. It seeks to prevent individuals, organized groups, and institutions from engaging in unfair practices for financial or improper benefits, while also boosting candidates' confidence.
The legislation contains measures to safeguard whistleblowers by maintaining the secrecy of their identities and offering legal protections to promote the reporting of violations.
It outlines essential terms like 'candidate', 'public examination', 'unfair means', 'organized crime', and 'service provider', encompassing all phases of the examination process, from the creation and printing of question papers to the assessment and announcement of results.The employment of dishonest methods, aiding in cheating, unauthorized access to exam centers, and disruption of exam procedures are banned. Exams can only be held at approved centers, unless there are extraordinary situations like natural disasters, which require notification.
Individuals proven to have engaged in malpractice will have their exam results nullified and will be prohibited from taking public exams for at least one year, with the possibility of extending this ban to three years. Nonetheless, they will not be permanently banned from future examinations or public sector jobs.
For people other than candidates, the bill mandates prison sentences between three and 10 years, in addition to fines reaching ₹10 lakh. Crimes like unauthorized possession or sharing of exam papers, unlawful entry into examination centers, and altering evaluation records could result in imprisonment from one to five years and fines up to ₹5 lakh.
Entities and organizations proven to be at fault may incur penalties reaching ₹1 crore, be liable for the reimbursement of expenses related to examinations, and face a ban from administering exams for a minimum of three years.
In instances of organized crime, the assets of the accused can be seized and taken under the regulations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The legislation stipulates that crimes will be examined by officers of at least the rank of sub-inspector, and the state government has the authority to assign cases to central or state agencies if necessary.