NTA terminates 47 officials as Centre moves to tighten anti-paper leak law
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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has terminated the services of 47 officials following the NEET paper leak, as part of a wider effort to reform the examination system after student protests.
A source familiar with the development confirmed the action, saying the NTA had dismissed 47 officials. The source added that the agency would also initiate legal and criminal proceedings against them to send a strong message and prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to the source, the dismissals are only the first step, with several more stringent and reform-oriented measures expected to follow.
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet is learnt to have approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to strengthen punishments for those involved in leaking public examination question papers.
The amendment Bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament next week by Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh.
The move comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a draft of the proposed legislation had been submitted to him and would be taken up by the Cabinet.
In a video message posted on X on Thursday night, Modi said the draft includes provisions for fast-track courts and stricter penalties.
"Working tirelessly, late into the night, the departments have already submitted a draft proposal to me. This draft, which includes provisions for fast-track courts and stricter penalties, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow. It will be finalised after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, and efforts will be made to pass the Bill in the House as soon as possible, starting with the second week of Parliament's session this coming Monday," the Prime Minister said.