Maharashtra Proposes Stricter Penalties for Exam Malpractices

The Maharashtra government introduced a bill targeting malpractices in competitive exams. Named the 'Maharashtra Competitive Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024,' it proposes up to five years imprisonment and fines up to Rs 10 lakh for offenders. Service providers failing to ensure exam integrity face fines up to Rs 1 crore.

In response to increasing concerns over exam paper leaks, the Maharashtra government on Friday tabled a bill in the state legislative assembly aimed at curbing malpractices in competitive examinations. The proposed bill suggests strict penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years, for those found guilty of unfair means.

Named the 'Maharashtra Competitive Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024,' the bill was introduced by minister Shambhuraj Desai. It seeks to make offences related to competitive exams cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.

The bill outlines severe consequences, such as imprisonment from three to five years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh for individuals, and fines up to Rs 1 crore for service providers failing to maintain exam integrity. This initiative follows alleged irregularities in exams like NEET-UG and aims to restore trust in the examination process.