Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, commonly referred to as the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, in the Rajya Sabha, saying the Centre is taking continuous steps to build a credible and reliable examination system while protecting students’ future through education reforms. The Bill was cleared by the Upper House a day after its passage in the Lok Sabha, completing Parliament’s approval.
The Prime Minister said successive governments at both the state and central levels have grappled with the problem of paper leaks for decades, affecting the careers of millions of students.
“For the past several decades, every state and the Central government have faced the problem of paper leaks. As a result, the future of our children has been put at risk."
PM Modi said the government was taking multiple steps to strengthen the examination system, including setting up a fast-track mechanism and incorporating suggestions from stakeholders.
“We are continuously taking one step after another to ensure a reliable examination system. A fast-track mechanism is being put in place, and suggestions from various stakeholders are also being taken into account," he said.
He added that the Centre was working on institutional reforms and greater coordination with states.
“Whether it is the creation of a task force, the establishment of a fast-track mechanism, or taking into account the suggestions of the states, we are working on all fronts."
Calling for systemic reforms, PM Modi stressed the need to modernise the education system and make wider use of technology.
“Keeping all this in mind, reforms in the education system have become essential across all states and at the Centre. There is also a need for extensive use of technology."
The Prime Minister also issued a stern warning to those involved in examination fraud.
“No paper mafia, no gang involved in paper leaks, and no gang that plays with the future of the country’s children will be spared," he said.
Highlighting the passage of the legislation, PM Modi described it as a crucial step towards safeguarding the integrity of public examinations.
“There is a need for such stringent laws. We had introduced a Bill in Parliament, and as I had promised you, over the last two days both Houses of Parliament discussed it in detail. Today, both Houses have passed this Bill containing stringent legal provisions."
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill after an extensive debate on Thursday, during which the government said the legislation reflected its zero-tolerance policy towards examination fraud. The Bill seeks to strengthen the existing law by introducing tougher penalties and faster investigation and trial mechanisms to curb paper leaks and organised cheating in public examinations.
Calling the legislation an important milestone, PM Modi said the government’s efforts to reform the examination system would continue.
“This is an important step towards building a trustworthy examination system. The work will continue. We will not allow such situations to persist for long."
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called for collective efforts to strengthen the country’s future.
“With this resolve, let us all work shoulder to shoulder to fulfil the dream of a developed India."
Source: News18