Bhubaneswar, Nov 14, 2024: The Odisha Cabinet has approved a new law aimed at curbing unfair practices like cheating and impersonation in public exams conducted by state agencies. The proposed Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, is designed to ensure integrity in examinations for various government services.
The legislation, passed under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, targets offenses such as impersonation, cheating, leaking exam materials, and disrupting the examination process. Those found guilty will face severe penalties, including imprisonment from three to five years and fines up to ₹10 lakh.
The law will apply to exams conducted by bodies such as the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC), and the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE), among others. The government aims to maintain transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, with strong legal measures to deter malpractice.
This move reflects Odisha’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility of its public examination system and ensuring that selection is based on merit.