New Delhi, 31 July (H.S.): Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by Parliament with the support of a majority of Members of Parliament and is aimed at tackling the serious issue of examination paper leaks. Addressing the media at his residence after the Bill was passed, Rijiju said that there was virtually no substantive opposition to the legislation and that any dissent expressed was driven primarily by political considerations.

Rijiju said that all political parties recognise the seriousness of issues related to education, particularly examination paper leaks. He emphasised that the government's priority is to implement the new law at the earliest to safeguard the future of students.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament. He said it is in everyone's interest that House proceedings continue without disruption, noting that several important Bills are currently listed for consideration and need to be passed in a timely manner.

Appealing to Opposition parties, Rijiju said they have every right to raise issues of public concern but should refrain from disrupting Question Hour, legislative business and other important parliamentary proceedings. According to him, while debate and discussion are fundamental to a democratic system, cooperation from all sides is equally essential to ensure the passage of legislation in the larger public interest.

Parliament recently approved the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The amendment significantly strengthens the legal framework by introducing stricter punishments and higher financial penalties for offences related to examination paper leaks and other forms of malpractice in public examinations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar