India’s government introduced legislation in Parliament on Monday to tighten laws against examination malpractices, including question paper leaks, while Opposition parties pressed for discussions on police action during recent student protests.
Stricter penalties proposed for exam fraud
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The measure seeks to strengthen legal provisions to curb question paper leaks and examination-related malpractices.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called on Opposition parties to prioritize the bill over other debates. “I wish to reiterate to the Congress Party and certain other parties: do not let the issue get sidetracked. At this moment, the top priority must be to discuss the reforms introduced to strengthen the examination process—reforms that directly serve the interests of students across the country. No attempts should be made to divert or change the issue…” Rijiju said.
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“We are firmly focused on the Bill introduced for the benefit of students; passing this Bill is our priority… It is a most critical and important Bill. I urge the Congress Party and its allies not to divert the House’s attention…” he added.
Opposition demands debate on police crackdown
The bill’s introduction occurred amid disruptions in both Houses of Parliament. Opposition parties have insisted on discussing the proposed ban of NEET and allegations of excessive police force against students protesting exam irregularities.
Several MPs submitted notices for debates. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain requested an “immediate discussion on the alleged excessive use of force against peaceful protesters in Delhi on 20 July 2026.” He cited reports of pellet guns and tear gas used against demonstrators, including women students.
Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P. Sandosh Kumar proposed an independent judicial commission to examine the police response. In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth moved an adjournment motion on the same issue. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP T.R. Baalu called for a ban on NEET and an investigation into the use of “lethal weapons” against students.
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The protests followed a sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar by the “Cockroach Janata Party”. The demonstrations ended after former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July.
High-level panel formed to overhaul exam system
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a task force to recommend reforms for securing public examinations. The panel, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, includes former ISRO chairman S. Somanath, ex-Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.
Monday’s session also marked the first Question Hour for newly appointed Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, who assumed office after Pradhan’s resignation.