People participate in a protest against the alleged NEET-UG paper leak

NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on examination malpractices and paper leak mafia, Cabinet on Friday approved a draft bill proposing up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore for those involved in such crimes. The Cabinet chaired by PM Modi also approved statutory backing for fast-track courts for trials of such cases and to dispose of them “within three months”.The decision came barely hours after Modi, in a message on social media, vowed the strictest measures to prevent paper leaks, which have a devastating effect on the country’s youth. PM has said that the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 will be introduced in Parliament and efforts will be made for faster passage.TOI has learned that the bill will ensure time-bound completion of investigation. A senior govt functionary said the 2024 law has “helped a lot” and several gangs have been busted and actions have been taken in the past two years. Govt aims to strengthen this and address any shortcomings to protect the interest of youth, he added.

People aware of the development said the jail term for individuals resorting to unfair means and offences under the proposed law would be at least five years as against the current provision of minimum three years’ in prison. The jail term could be up to 10 years. They added that fines for such offenders would also be increased, though they didn’t specify the amount. At present, the fine is capped at Rs 10 lakh for individual offenders.Officials said that in case of organised crimes by a person or group of people, including the examination authority or service provider, the jail term would be 10 years with Rs 10 crore fine. At present, the fine for such organised crime is Rs 1 crore.The proposed law is also likely to bring coaching centres under its purview for any malpractices by them.The existing law is aimed at curbing leaks, unfair means as well as organised malpractices in recruitment examinations like Union Public Service Commission, SSC, and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET.