Assam government will introduce a legislation to contain unfair means and malpractices during examinations held in the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday.
The Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Bill, 2024 will be placed in the upcoming Budget session of the Assembly, slated to commence from February 5th.
The proposed law aims to strengthen the conduct of examinations by putting in place deterrent measures against forms of cheating and violations that create an uneven playing field.
Specific provisions are expected to crackdown on activities like paper leaks, impersonation of candidates and use of prohibited electronic devices for cheating. Strict penalties for such offences may feature in the draft Bill.
Currently, Assam has over 30 lakh students appearing across all key examinations including HSLC, AHSEC board apart from entrance tests annually. Rampant cheating syndicates operating with impunity have impacted fair assessments over the years.
The government believes the legislation with emphasis on enforcement can help tackle the long-standing problem that has bred complacency. It wants to redeem examination credibility by sending tough signals.