Act on fair exam comes into force
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 14 2024:
In a bid to ensure integrity and fairness of High School Leaving Certificate Examination (HSLCE) and Higher Secondary Examination (HSE), the state government has officially implemented the Manipur Prevention of Malpractices in High School Leaving Certificate and Higher Secondary Examinations Bill, 2024 .
The bill was passed during the 5th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 4 with the gazette notification of same published on Thursday, marking a significant step towards maintaining the sanctity of the examination process.
The newly enacted Act, which applies to examinations conducted by Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BSEM) and the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM), carries stringent penal provisions aimed at deterring any form of malpractice.
The Act identifies a range of unauthorised activities during examinations, including impersonation, leakage of question papers, unauthorised possession or distribution of question papers, and unauthorised assistance to candidates, among others, as malpractices.
According to the provisions outlined in the Act, individuals found guilty of impersonation could face imprisonment for up to six months or a fine ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh, or both.
For contravening other provisions such as loitering near examination centers or refusing to work as assigned during examinations, individuals could face imprisonment of varying terms, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
The Act also imposes severe penalties on those entrusted with tasks related to examinations who engage in malpractices.
Individuals involved in activities such as leaking question papers, whether in their custody or during transportation, printing, or evaluation, could face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, along with hefty fines ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10 crore.
Additionally, individuals who abet any offense punishable under the Act are also subject to prosecution.
Importantly, the Act mandates that offenses under its purview are cognizable and non-bailable, ensuring swift and decisive action against perpetrators.
Furthermore, it stipulates that juvenile offenders, as defined in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act; 2015, will be tried under the provisions of the said Act.