Keywords- Ordinance, cheating, Punishment, generative AI, Public recruitment.
Abstract–The new anti-cheating law in Uttarakhand is legislation that aims to reduce cheating during exams and promote fairness in the educational system. The law imposes severe punishments on individuals caught cheating, including imprisonment for up to Ten years and a minimum fine of 10 lakh Rupees. The Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh, on February 10, gave his assent to an ordinance brought by the Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami-led BJP government to prevent the use of unfair means in the government recruitment exams.
Introduction-
There have been continuous protests in Uttarakhand over multiple paper leaks in various exams, including the 2016 village panchayat development officer exam, the recent Uttarakhand Public Service Commission exam, and a written exam conducted by the UKSSSC in 2021. Student organizations have alleged that question papers were sold to examinees before the test.
Primary objective of the ordinance.
The ordinance’s primary objective is to prevent such offences from occurring during public recruitment exams for state government posts, government-run autonomous bodies, and institutions supported by the state government.
The offences are non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable and the ordinance is expected to promote transparency and fairness in the recruitment process by preventing any irregularities.
Uttarakhand anti-cheating law gets nod from governor.
Governor Lt Gurmit Singh has approved the state’ anti-copying law. As per latest reports, the Governor has given consent to the ordinance submitted by the Uttarakhand Government which prevents the use of unfair mean and cheating during state recruitment exams.
Under this new Anti-Copying law, candidates who are caught cheating or using any sort of unfair means during the examination would face a minimum of 10 years in jail. Along with these, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the assets of these candidates would also be seized.
First case lodged under Uttarakhand Anti-Copying Law
In a first in Uttarakhand, a case was registered under the state’s new anti-copying law against a man, some unidentified aspirants, and a news portal for “spreading misinformation” through social media about the patwari (revenue sub-inspector) exam held last week.A first information report (FIR) was registered at Kotwali police station in Uttarkashi district on the night of Sunday, 12 February, days after the anti-copying provision was brought in through an ordinance.
The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Redressal of Unfair Means in Recruitment) 2023 Ordinance was promulgated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday, 9 February, and got Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh’s assent a day later.
Uttarakhand’s new anti-cheating law that fines up to Rs 10 cr and life imprisonment.
A protest that became violent in Dehradun lately due to paper leaks, and scams in government exams. Post which, the governor of Uttarakhand Lt. Gurmit Singh on the next day approved the Uttarakhand Cutthroat Assessment (Measures for control and prevention of unfair means in recruitment) Ordinance,2023 to prevent the use of unfair means in exams.
The new ordinance act includes clauses for imposing fines up to Rs 10 cr and life imprisonment as punishment for the individuals found guilty of various offences related to obstructing the integrity of the examinations, unfair means and leakage of papers.
Cheating is a major concern
The increasing use of technology for cheating during exams has become a major concern. Instances of impersonation, hacking and the use of electronic devices during exams are also on the rise.
The use of generative AI has added to these concerns, as it has the potential to create fake identities, images, and written content that can be used for cheating.
Conclusion-
Those indulging in or facilitating the use of unfair means throughout the process of recruitment exams in Uttarakhand right from the printing of question paper to publication of results will now be liable for a punishment of life imprisonment and and a fine of 10 cr will be levied on the guilty.
References-
1-https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-s-anti-cheating-law
| This article is written by Bhaavya Katiyar (a 5 year law student from University of petroleum and energy studies pursuing BBA LLB) in her duration of internship with Le droit India. |
