$1 Million Fine for Exam Leak in India

New Delhi (AFP) – The Indian government has proposed tightening prison sentences and increasing fines in cases of exam paper leaks, in an effort to restore public trust after the country was shaken by protests led by young people and students, focusing on reforming the education system.

Under the proposed legal amendment submitted to Parliament, the maximum prison term for those involved in leaking exam questions would be raised from five to ten years, while fines could exceed $1 million, with trials in such cases to be expedited.

The legislative initiative comes weeks after protests over exam paper leaks and other irregularities, which culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last week.

The protests, led by the online-active “Cricketers’ Party” movement, garnered widespread support from students and youth across the country, posing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Speaking before the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), Science Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the proposed amendments underscore “this government’s firm commitment to protecting the interests of the country’s students and youth.”