The Lok Sabha has approved the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. This decision was reached after a lengthy discussion that began at 2 PM on July 28 and continued until late evening, resuming on July 29. The new provisions aim to strengthen penalties for individuals employing unfair means during examinations. The proposed amendments include increasing the minimum term of imprisonment from three years to five years, with a maximum term extending up to ten years.

In addition to enhancing prison sentences, the Bill seeks to raise fines significantly. The maximum financial penalty for individuals found guilty of using unfair means is to be increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. For service providers implicated in these offences, the Bill proposes a fine of up to Rs 5 crore and extends the debarment period from four years to eight years for conducting public examinations.

Moreover, for serious organised examination-related crimes, the legislation aims to increase the minimum incarceration period from five years to seven years, with a potential maximum of ten years. The maximum fine for such offences is also set to rise from Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 crore. This comprehensive measure is expected to deliver a stronger deterrent against examination-related unfair practices.

Parliamentary Exchanges During Debate

Union Minister Jitendra Singh’s response during the debate, which included criticisms directed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, drew attention. Singh claimed that Gandhi had employed unparliamentary language and questioned his understanding of parliamentary procedures. Singh’s remarks followed a prolonged debate that saw considerable back-and-forth between the opposition and government members.

In his comments, Singh remarked on the importance of maintaining decorum during critical discussions such as this Bill. He expressed concern over Gandhi’s choice of words when referring to the youth of the nation, suggesting that such comments were inappropriate for someone in a leadership position. BJP representatives had previously called for an apology from Gandhi over remarks he made regarding Home Minister Amit Shah.

Singh clarified misconceptions regarding recent protests in Delhi, insisting that no live ammunition was used against demonstrators. Instead, he stated that tear gas was deployed and emphasised that any orders related to such actions would originate from a magistrate, not a minister. This point was part of Singh’s broader defence of the government’s actions during the unrest.

Accusations in the Context of Education

During the debate, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of monopolising the education system, alleging that it had been unduly influenced by the RSS. He expressed concerns about students being denied the freedom to think independently and described the education system as being oppressive. His remarks aimed to highlight what he termed the “capture” of educational institutions by ideological forces.

Gandhi also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asserting that the minister lacked genuine authority within the Education Ministry and that the RSS was the true driving force behind current educational policies. He accused the government of fostering an environment that stifles student expression and engagement.

In concluding his address, Gandhi referred to recent student protests, labelling them as peaceful expressions of frustration and aspiration rather than violence. He urged all political factions, including the ruling BJP, to heed the voices of the youth, a theme that resonated throughout the extended debate in Lok Sabha.

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