BJP's Bansuri Swaraj, Shrikant Shinde from Shiv Sena expected to speak during LS debate on exam bill
New Delhi, July 27
From BJP's Bansuri Swaraj to Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde, young NDA MPs are expected to speak in the Lok Sabha on Monday following the introduction of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026.
The Centre will table the Bill in Parliament as part of its legislative agenda to further strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will table the Bill, which seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. A government notification regarding its introduction has already been issued.
The ruling alliance is also preparing for an extensive debate, with proceedings expected to last between eight and ten hours, reflecting the government's emphasis on building consensus over reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in public examinations.
Among the expected speakers from the NDA are Bansuri Swaraj and Tejasvi Surya from the BJP, Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' JD(U), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Sunil Tatkare (NCP), Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal (Soneylal), and Arun Bharti LJP (Ram Vilas).
From the newly formed NCPI, Sayoni Ghosh and Mitali Bag and from the TDP, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu are expected to speak.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who took charge of the Education Ministry on Sunday, will be present during Question Hour, where questions related to the education sector are scheduled to be taken up.
The proposed amendment aims to enhance transparency and integrity in the examination system through stricter legal provisions while ensuring that the future of students remains fully protected. Among the key features are stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets of those found guilty, and the establishment of a mechanism to ensure verdicts are delivered within three months.
The move follows the Union Cabinet's approval on Friday of a Bill and related provisions designed to establish fast-track courts and provide harsher punishment in cases involving paper leaks and examination fraud.
The initiative comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a comprehensive Bill containing provisions for strong action against paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament.
As per the proposal, the fast-track courts will be mandated to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months, ensuring swift justice in examination-related offences.
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi announced the constitution of a task force on exam reforms under Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
Prime Minister Modi said the report of the task force will be used for taking steps to ensure the credibility of upcoming examinations.
The decision to rope in Nilekani, who is the brain behind Aadhaar, comes a day after students' agitation against paper leaks concluded following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Sharing a video statement on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi said, "The Government of India is continuously taking various measures for the future of students. Those who tampered with the students' future are languishing in jail. We have already established fast-track courts. We are also moving towards enacting new legislation in Parliament that incorporates stringent legal provisions."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the intent but honestly, I'm skeptical. Fast-track courts delivering verdicts in 3 months sounds good on paper, but our judicial system is already overburdened. Will these courts have dedicated judges? And what about the students whose careers were ruined by leaks - will they get any compensation? The Bill needs more clarity on victim relief.
As a student who gave competitive exams recently, this is much needed. But the government should also focus on digitizing the entire exam process - from question paper printing to result declaration. Remember the NEET paper leak fiasco? More tech intervention means less human interference. Nilekani bringing Aadhaar-level security to exams would be a game changer! 🔥
Impressive that the NDA is fielding young MPs like Bansuri Swaraj and Shrikant Shinde for this debate. Shows they want fresh perspectives. But 8-10 hours of debate? That's a lot of time. I hope they don't just make speeches but truly discuss ground-level implementation. The fine of Rs 10 crore is hefty - will it apply to institutions or only individuals?
The real issue is not just punishment but prevention. Why do paper leaks keep happening? Because of corruption in exam bodies and coaching mafia. The Bill should also target middlemen and coaching institutes that profit from leaks. Asset confiscation is a good step - take away their ill-gotten wealth and use it for student scholarships! That would send a strong message.
I'm happy that Parliament is discussing this seriously. But I wish they'd
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.