Uttrakhand?s Anti Cheating Law

Uttrakhand’s Anti Cheating Law

News: On February 11 2023, a protest in Dehradun over paper leaks and scams in government recruitment tests turned violent. On the following day, the Uttarakhand Governor gave his assent to the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance, 2023 to prevent the use of unfair means in exams.

Key Provisions:
 The ordinance has provisions for fines up to Rs 10 crore and life imprisonment for the guilty. It is aimed at preventing offences related to obstructing the sanctity of examinations, use of unfair means, leakage of question papers, and other irregularities.
 It covers public examinations for recruitment to posts under the state government, autonomous bodies run by the government, and authorities, corporations, and institutions operated with grants of the state government.
 The offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. The law is expected to prevent irregularities in recruitment exams and ensure that they are conducted transparently and fairly.

What are other concerns regarding unfair practices in examinations?
 Misuse of technology, impersonation, hacking and use of electronic devices during exams.
 The use of generative AI (artificial intelligence) has also raised concerns about its potential to create fake identities, images, and even written content that can be used to cheat.
 With evolving technology, it is important for authorities and governments to also keep up with the latest developments and implement measures to prevent its misuse.