Bhubaneswar: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday said the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, would not by themselves prevent recurring question paper leak incidents unless they are backed by strict and effective enforcement.
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty said the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve amendments to the Act comes amid widespread concern over repeated examination paper leak cases and protests by students across the country.
Mohanty alleged that more than 150 question paper leak incidents have been reported nationwide over the past 12 years, triggering protests and creating uncertainty among students and their families. Referring to the NEET question paper leak controversy, he said the issue had sparked a nationwide movement demanding greater accountability in the conduct of public examinations.
While welcoming efforts to strengthen legal provisions, Mohanty argued that legislation alone cannot eliminate examination-related malpractices. He said effective implementation of the law, impartial investigation and timely punishment of those responsible are essential to prevent future incidents.
The BJD leader also criticised the BJP government in Odisha, alleging that question paper leak cases have continued despite the enactment of the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. He said the legislation, passed by the Odisha Assembly on December 6, 2024, has failed to deter such offences.
Claiming that 23 question paper leak incidents have occurred in Odisha over the past two years under the BJP’s “double-engine government”, Mohanty alleged that none of the accused in those cases has been punished so far. According to him, the absence of accountability highlights the gap between enacting laws and ensuring their implementation.
The BJD maintained that the long-term solution to recurring examination paper leaks lies in rigorous enforcement of existing laws and the delivery of swift and exemplary punishment to offenders, rather than relying solely on stricter legal provisions.
The party’s remarks came after the Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to further strengthen legal measures against examination-related malpractices, including question paper leaks.
