Jharkhand Competitive Examination (Measure for Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2023

August 4, 2023

On August 3, 2023, the Jharkhand Assembly passed the Jharkhand Competitive Examination (Measure for Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2023, introducing strict provisions to curb cheating in competitive exams. The Bill aims to uphold the integrity of examinations and ensure a fair and transparent selection process for various recruitment processes.

Mandating Life Imprisonment and Heavy Fine

The Jharkhand Competitive Examination Bill, 2023, is a significant step towards promoting ethical practices in competitive exams. To deter cheating, the Bill mandates two severe penalties for wrongdoers – life imprisonment and a hefty fine of up to ₹10 crore. These stringent measures are aimed at deterring individuals from resorting to unfair means in competitive exams.

Examining the Legislators’ Suggestions

Upon discussion and consideration of the legislators’ suggestions, the Jharkhand Assembly made some amendments to the Bill to ensure a balanced approach to tackling cheating in exams. According to the legislators’ recommendation, an examinee caught copying for the first time will face a reduced punishment of one year, instead of the previously proposed three years. Similarly, for a second offense, the punishment will be three years, down from the earlier proposal of seven years.

Fine and Punishment for Cheating Examinees

Under the Bill’s provisions, if an examinee is caught cheating for the first time, they will be fined ₹5 lakh. Failing to pay this fine will lead to an additional punishment of nine months imprisonment. For a second offense, the examinee will be fined ₹10 lakh, and if the fine remains unpaid, they will face an additional sentence of thirty months. In addition to the monetary fine and imprisonment, any examinee found guilty will be barred from sitting in any competitive examination for a period of 10 years.

Entities Subject to Punishment

The Bill also covers entities involved in facilitating cheating during exams. It holds printing presses, management systems conducting exams, persons engaged in transport, and coaching institutes accountable if they play a conspiratorial role in cheating incidents. These entities face strict penalties, ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, and are subject to fines ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹10 crore. Not paying the fine will lead to an extra three years of imprisonment.

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