Kharge Criticises Centre's Anti-Paper Leak Bill as Insufficient
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday strongly criticised the central government over the 'anti-paper leak Bill', asserting that the proposed amendments fail to address the fundamental issue of preventing examination paper leaks.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge argued that the Bill was introduced merely to pacify widespread student protests that have erupted across the country in recent weeks. He described the government's approach as superficial, stating that 'tweaking the anti-paper leak law is a hogwash' and does not tackle the root causes of the problem.
The Bill, officially titled the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was tabled in Parliament amid growing public anger over repeated paper leaks in competitive exams such as NEET and UGC-NET. Students have been demanding stricter laws and better enforcement to ensure the integrity of the examination process.
Kharge's remarks highlight the political divide on how to address the issue. While the government maintains that the Bill provides a robust legal framework with provisions for strict punishment, including imprisonment and fines, opposition leaders argue that it lacks substantive measures to prevent leaks and overhaul the examination system.
The Congress leader also questioned the timing of the Bill, suggesting it was a reactive measure rather than a proactive solution. He called for a comprehensive review of the examination process, including the role of testing agencies and the need for secure digital infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended the legislation, emphasising the government's commitment to protecting the interests of honest students. However, the debate in Parliament reflects the urgent need for consensus on reforms that can restore public confidence in the examination system.
