Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday welcomed the Centre’s decision to introduce a stricter legal framework to curb paper leaks and set up dedicated fast-track courts for their speedy trial, describing it as a major step towards safeguarding the integrity of the examination system.“The introduction of a stringent legislative framework to curb examination paper leaks, along with the establishment of dedicated fast-track courts for their expeditious trial, marks a decisive step towards ensuring swift justice, strengthening accountability, and restoring public confidence in the examination system,” Majhi posted on X while sharing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message on the issue.Calling it a landmark reform, the CM said the move reinforces the govt’s commitment to merit, transparency and a fair future for millions of students.However, opposition BJD said enacting a law alone would not solve the problem unless it is implemented firmly and effectively.Responding to the Union Cabinet’s approval of amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty said strict, impartial and effective enforcement of the law is essential to prevent question paper leaks and ensure punishment for those responsible.Mohanty pointed out that the BJP govt had passed the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 in the assembly on Dec 6, 2024. “Despite 23 question paper leak incidents surfacing during the last two years under the double-engine govt, not a single accused has been punished so far,” Mohanty alleged.“The only permanent solution to the serious problem of question paper leaks is the sincere and effective implementation of the law, coupled with swift and exemplary punishment for the guilty,” he added.
