India Introduces Anti-Paper Leak Bill Amid Opposition Outcry

Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha on July 30, 2026. The legislation, which previously passed the Lok Sabha, seeks to strengthen the legal framework against examination malpractices by increasing fines and prison terms, creating Special Task Forces, and establishing Special Fast Track Courts.

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge rejected the bill as a reactive measure intended to pacify students protesting nationwide paper leaks, including the NEET UG-2026 incident. Kharge argued that the government is prioritizing political expediency over systemic reform and demanded a fixed annual examination calendar, a National Youth Employment Strategy, and a Supreme Court-supervised committee to prevent leaks. He further alleged that the government has improperly appointed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh affiliates to academic positions based on ideology rather than merit.

Kharge also called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, citing his responsibility for police brutality and the use of pellet guns and lathis against students during July 20 protests at Jantar Mantar. He claimed public pressure and student struggles forced the government to remove former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In response, Singh defended the government's record, stating it has implemented 35 of 46 recommendations from the Radhakrishna committee and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward examination fraud.