July 30, 2026 at 09:34 AM 2 min readindiadeveloping

Anurag Thakur Vows Elimination of Paper Leaks via Legislation

Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur declared in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the central government is committed to eradicating paper leaks "once and for all." Speaking during a debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Thakur emphasized that the Narendra Modi-led administration is prioritizing the future of India's youth. The new bill proposes significantly harsher penalties for individuals and organized syndicates involved in exam malpractices. These measures include heavy fines and non-bailable imprisonment terms for those found guilty of leaking question papers or tampering with answer sheets. The government intends to create a robust legal framework that acts as a powerful deterrent.
During his address, Thakur launched a sharp critique of the opposition, particularly the Congress party, accusing them of negligence during their previous tenures. He argued that the current administration is the first to take comprehensive legislative action against the systemic issue of paper leaks. The discussion highlighted recent incidents in various states that had jeopardized the careers of thousands of competitive exam aspirants. Thakur stated that the 2026 Amendment Bill addresses technological loopholes that were previously exploited by paper-leak mafias. He noted that the legislation provides the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other agencies with enhanced powers to track digital footprints of leak sources.
The passage of this bill is expected to bring much-needed relief to millions of students appearing for national-level exams like UPSC, NEET, and JEE. For the average Indian student, the primary impact will be the increased security and reliability of the examination process. Thakur noted that the government is also investing in secure digital infrastructure to prevent hacking and physical theft of papers. The legislation is part of a broader educational reform strategy aimed at restoring public trust in the merit-based selection process. Following the Lok Sabha debate, the bill is expected to move to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration before becoming law. The focus remains on ensuring that no student is disadvantaged by the criminal actions of organized groups.
Pulse Intelligence
Context & Impact
  • The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was first introduced in early 2024 to address widespread cheating in government recruitment exams.
  • Major paper leaks in 2024 and 2025 led to national protests and the cancellation of several key recruitment and entrance examinations.
  • The bill will likely receive swift approval in the Rajya Sabha given the broad public support for exam security.
  • Exam conducting bodies like the NTA will be required to overhaul their logistics and security protocols to comply with the new law.

No direct market impact, though improved exam credibility can boost long-term human capital efficiency in India.

The Indus Pulse is committed to accuracy and transparency.
Report a CorrectionEditorial Standards