Bihar Passes Bill to Prevent Paper Leaks | 25 Jul 2024

Recently, The Bihar Assembly passed Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 aimed to curb the questions paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations in the State.

All crimes under this law will be cognisable and non-bailable.
It defines various offences related to unfair means, such as paper leaks, the use of fake websites, and collusion with service providers.
The Bill includes provisions for imprisonment terms of three to five years and a fine of Rs. 10 lakh.
If a service provider, whether a government entity or a private agency, engages in malpractices, it will face a fine of Rs. 1 crore and a four-year termination of its services.

This bill was passed by the central government which aimed at addressing the issue of malpractices in government recruitment examinations. It came into effect on 21^st June 2024.
Key Features:
- It defines various offences related to unfair means, such as paper leaks, the use of fake websites, and collusion with service providers.
- It prescribes strict penalties, including a minimum jail term of 3-5 years and a fine up to Rs. 1 crore.
- It holds service providers engaged for exam conduct liable with fines up to Rs 1 crore and a 4-year ban on their involvement in public exams.
- It empowers police officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or Assistant Commissioner of Police to investigate offences under the Act.
- It will cover a wide range of central government recruitment exams, including those conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, and NTA.