In a major crackdown following the NEET paper leak and massive student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party, the Indian National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated the services of 47 officials,. The move is part of a broader initiative to reform the examination system in India.
The agency will also initiate “legal and criminal action” against some of the officials to send a stern message and prevent future occurrences, reports Indian Express citing insiders sources.
These terminations are described as initial steps, with more stringent and reform-oriented measures expected to follow. The NTA currently maintains only 39 permanent posts.
Legislative reforms
In a parallel move to restore the integrity of public examinations, the Indian Union Cabinet reportedly approved a Bill on Friday aimed at strengthening punishments for those involved in leaking question papers.
This follows an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who confirmed that a draft of the proposed legislation had been submitted for Cabinet review.
The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week by the Minister of State for Personnel, Jitendra Singh.
Fast-track courts and penalties
In a late-night video message posted on the social media platform X on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi stated that a tough new law was being finalised. He noted that departments had worked tirelessly to submit a proposal that includes provisions for fast-track courts and stricter penalties.
“This draft… will be finalised after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, and efforts will be made to pass the Bill in the House as soon as possible, starting with the second week of Parliament’s session this coming Monday,” the Prime Minister said.
