The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed doubts about the impact of the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, recently approved by the Union government. BJD’s spokesperson, Lenin Mohanty, emphasized that the enforcement, rather than just enactment, of stricter laws is crucial to combat the recurring issue of question paper leaks. Mohanty highlighted that despite legislative changes, over 150 question paper leak incidents have occurred nationwide in the past 12 years, leading to student protests and concerns.
The BJD criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha for its handling of question paper leaks, despite the existence of the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Mohanty pointed out that 23 question paper leak cases emerged in the state under the BJP’s governance, with no accused being penalized yet. He stressed the necessity of strict enforcement and timely punishment to deter such malpractices effectively, highlighting the gap between legislation and its implementation.
The BJD underscored the importance of not solely relying on legal amendments but ensuring their rigorous execution to address the persistent challenge of question paper leaks. Mohanty emphasized the need for accountability and swift punitive actions against wrongdoers to prevent future incidents. The party’s stance follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with the aim of enhancing measures against examination-related misconduct.
