Jharkhand’s firm stand against exam cheating, introduces jail terms and heavy fines

Ranchi: In a decisive move to curb cheating in competitive recruitment examinations, Jharkhand has enacted strict measures with the passage of the Jharkhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Redressal of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill-2023. Governor CP Radhakrishnan has given his approval to this legislation, endorsing severe penalties for those caught engaging in malpractice during exams.

According to the new provisions, individuals caught cheating for the first time will face imprisonment for one year and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. For repeat offenders, the penalties escalate significantly, with a three-year jail term and a fine of Rs 10 lakh for the second offense. The approval of this bill follows a contentious debate in the Jharkhand Assembly.

The legislation extends its reach beyond individual cheaters to those involved in the orchestration of cheating activities. Persons engaged in conspiracies related to printing press operations or examination conduct may face a harsh penalty of 10 years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of Rs 10 crore.

Further, those found guilty of looting, stealing, or destroying question papers or OMR sheets post-examination may be sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rs 2 crore. The legislation also targets organized crime related to examination agencies or companies, imposing a similar 10-year imprisonment and Rs 10 crore fine for those involved in conspiracies.

In a move to deter potential wrongdoers, individuals convicted by the court under this legislation will be barred from appearing in competitive examinations for a period of 10 years.