The Lok Sabha started discussions on the paper leak issue on Tuesday. The government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The bill will face a 10-hour discussion in the House. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh started the debate from the government side. During his speech, Jitendra Singh targeted Congress over paper leaks during the UPA government. He said previous governments failed to take effective action against such incidents.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi responded to Singh’s allegations. He called the government’s bill a showpiece.
Jitendra Singh Lists Earlier Paper Leak Cases
While opening the discussion, Jitendra Singh mentioned several previous paper leak incidents. He cited the 2009 railway examination paper leak case. Additionally, he mentioned the 2012 Delhi AIIMS examination paper leak. He said paper leaks are not limited to one state.
Therefore, Singh stressed the need for a special law against examination leaks.
Bill Proposes Tougher Punishments And Faster Trials
Jitendra Singh explained the major changes proposed under the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026.
He said the amendment aims to strengthen the law and ensure quicker justice. The move also targets improving examination credibility. Under Section 10, the earlier punishment included three to five years imprisonment. It also included a fine up to ₹10 lakh.However, the amendment increases imprisonment from five to ten years. The fine limit will rise to ₹50 lakh.
Furthermore, service providers earlier faced fines up to ₹1 crore. The proposed amendment increases this amount to ₹5 crore.The earlier law banned service providers from conducting examinations for four years. Now, the proposed period will extend to eight years. Moreover, organised crime cases involving mafia groups will face stricter penalties. The earlier punishment ranged from five to ten years.
The government proposes increasing this to seven to ten years. The maximum fine will rise from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.
Additionally, Singh highlighted fast-track courts for examination-related offences. He said investigations must finish within two months.
Gaurav Gogoi Calls Bill A Political Display
After Jitendra Singh, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi began his party’s side of the debate. He criticised the government over education issues. Gogoi said the Anti Paper Leak Bill only creates an impression. He reminded that the government introduced a similar bill in 2024.
According to Gogoi, the government presented the earlier bill as historic. However, he claimed the new version only changes the old legislation.
He also raised concerns about NEET-UG 2024 cases. Gogoi said 41 out of 45 accused received bail.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Dharmendra Pradhan remained education minister during that period. He also questioned the focus on social media instead of detailed discussion.
Opposition Raises Student Distress Concerns
Gogoi claimed 21 students died during Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure as education minister. He criticised the welcome given to Pradhan after his resignation. He said BJP MPs welcomed him as if he returned from a war. Gogoi also alleged that the government protects senior NTA officials.
Additionally, he said authorities must understand students’ pain. According to him, disappointed students are facing mental pressure.
He added that many students travelled to Delhi without informing families. These students joined protests to raise their concerns.
