With deadlock in Lok Sabha likely to resolved, Rahul Gandhi expected to speak on anti-paper leak Bill
New Delhi, July 27
With a standoff in the Lok Sabha likely to be broken on Tuesday, Congress would take part in the discussion on 'Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026' and party leader Rahul Gandhi is slated to express his views, sources said, noting that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may also speak during the debate.
They said eight hours have been allotted to the discussion.
The sources said that the final strategy of the Opposition will be finalised in the floor leaders' meeting to be held on Tuesday Morning in Parliament.
The deadlock in Parliament over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, is expected to be resolved as all major political parties have agreed to commence a discussion on Tuesday, sources said on Monday.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have seen repeated disruptions since the start of monsoon session of Parliament on July 20.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had offered a dedicated six-hour window for a comprehensive discussion on the Public Examinations Bill, stressing that a unified approach is essential to reform the country's competitive examination system.
The initiative taken by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the continuous dialogue maintained within the House have yielded positive results.
As per sources, Om Birla engaged with the floor leaders of various political parties. Consequently, both the ruling party and the opposition reached a consensus to hold a detailed discussion on the bill on Tuesday.
The Bill, introduced in Lok Sabha in the backdrop of nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, aims to effectively curb paper leaks, cheating, organised examination mafias, and other unfair practices in public examinations.
The Bill was introduced in the House by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
The punishment for individuals in the amendment Bill has been increased from upto five years to "five years but which may extend up to ten years," and a fine up to Rs 50 lakh.
The minimum punishment for organised crime is proposed to be raised to seven years, replacing the minimum five years jail term in the existing law, and the fine is proposed to be raised up to Rs 10 crore.
The amendment also provides for Special Fast Track Courts to try offences under the Act.Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had also asked the opposition leaders to allow the discussion.
He also said that more time for discussion can be allowed if the opposition demands.
"All the members have come prepared (for the discussion). Several opposition members have also given the amendments and have come prepared. The Bill is significant for the students and youth. Congress and some of its allies are deliberately not allowing a discussion on the Bill. The Speaker has given six hours, if you want, we will give more time for discussion. Still, you are doing this, this is not good. If would tell Congress that their image has been spoilt, they should not do such things. All parties should discuss the Bill important for the youth," Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a parent of two students who appeared for NEET and JEE last year, I can tell you the stress is unimaginable. ₹50 lakh fine sounds good but will it really deter those mafia networks? They operate across state borders and have political connections. Need fast track courts specifically for exam-related crimes, not just in the Bill but actually set up. Sad state of affairs when students have to protest for fair exams. 😢
Interesting that Rahul Gandhi is expected to speak. I'm curious what constructive proposals he'll bring besides blaming the government. The opposition has been blocking discussions for days, which hurts students the most. If they had real suggestions, they should have submitted them earlier. But yes, the paper leak issue is real - my cousin in Delhi had to retake an exam because of leaks. Need bipartisan support for this.
Eight hours for discussion? That's a joke. ⏰ We need serious debate on why these leaks keep happening. The NEET-UG paper leak affected over 5 lakh candidates. The Bill raises punishment but doesn't address systemic issues - poor invigilation, lack of transparency in question paper handling, and mafia nexus. Also, why are special fast track courts only mentioned as 'proposed'? Should be mandatory. Let's see if Rahul Gandhi raises these points or just does political drama.
As someone who's been following Indian exam scandals for years, this reminds me of the 2018 Vyapam scam and countless state-level leaks. The pattern is always the same - political interference, mafia involvement, and delayed justice. The increased fines and prison terms are welcome, but what about the students who lost years waiting for re-exams? The Bill should also mandate compensation for affected candidates. Hope the opposition pushes for that instead of just disrupting the House.
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