Cabinet clears draft anti-paper leak Bill, stricter penalties likely soon

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a draft Bill proposing stricter punishments for those involved in examination paper leaks, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would bring fresh legislation to tackle the issue.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister at the Parliament House complex.

According to official sources, the proposed legislation seeks to impose tougher penalties than those available under existing laws for individuals and networks involved in leaking examination papers.

The Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week during the ongoing Monsoon Session.

In a video message released around midnight on Thursday, Modi had said the legislation would contain provisions for strong action against those responsible for paper leaks and reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the future of students.

The Cabinet's approval comes amid the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for alleged examination irregularities, comprehensive reforms in the education system, and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak in May.

The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen the legal framework against examination fraud and enhance deterrence through stricter punishments.