Congress MP Manish Tewari criticized the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, labeling it a temporary solution introduced by the government to appease public outrage over exam irregularities. Tewari expressed disappointment, stating that the Bill lacks substantial amendments and falls short of addressing the broader issues plaguing the education system.
Tewari emphasized that the government’s response seemed more focused on calming public discontent, particularly among the youth, rather than enacting meaningful reforms. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive legislative approach to tackle the educational challenges facing India.
The Opposition MPs are demanding an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah for the police intervention during the NEET protests on July 20. In response, the government accused the Congress and its allies of evading a constructive discussion on the anti-paper leak Bill and shifting the focus away from the core issue.
The proposed amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aims to strengthen the examination system’s transparency and integrity through stricter legal measures while safeguarding students’ interests. Key provisions include severe penalties such as imprisonment for up to 10 years, fines up to Rs 10 crore, asset confiscation for offenders, and the establishment of a mechanism for swift verdicts within three months.
