The Lok Sabha has resumed discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passing. The Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The legislation incorporates several significant provisions, including stringent penalties such as imprisonment for up to ten years, fines of up to ten crore rupees and seizure of the properties of convicted offenders. To ensure expeditious disposal of cases, the legislation mandates every State Government and Union Territory Administration to establish Special Fast Track Courts for day-to-day trials.
It further provides that investigations into offences must be completed within two months from the date the information is recorded at the police station. Trials must be concluded within three months from the filing of the chargesheet. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh had moved the Bill in the House yesterday.
Participating in the discussion, JDU MP Dileshwar Kamait expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the Bill to Parliament, stating that it will ensure a brighter future for students while enhancing transparency in the education system. He said that the Bill has been brought in the interest of students. Mr Kamait added that the new legislation provides for time-bound investigations and stringent punishment to ensure accountability and curb malpractices.
Opposing the Bill, RSP MP N. K. Premachandran said that the Bill is inadequate to achieve its stated purpose. He alleged that the changes proposed in the Bill are merely cosmetic.
Participating in the discussion, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that the education system in the country has now become very expensive. He alleged that the money spent on conducting the NEET-UG examination is more than the education budget of the country. Mr Gandhi said that the students’ protest on the NEET issue was not violence or hatred but a deep expression of the youth, and all political parties must respect this expression.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly objected to the remarks made by Rahul Gandhi against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Mr Rijiju demanded that Mr Gandhi apologise in the House for his remarks.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 2:30 PM following an uproar over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against the Home Minister.
