Sansad TV: Anti-Copying Law | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance has been approved by Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh. This new "Anti-copying law" will punish candidates involved in cheating, imposing a ban of 10 years on them.
• Copycat mafia will face a fine of 10 crore, along with life imprisonment or 10 years in jail. The law was enacted in response to the UKPSC paper leak, which led to the cancellation of exams for around 1.4 lakh government job aspirants.

Highlights and Analysis

• Uttarakhand has introduced the strictest Anti-Copying Law in the country. The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance 2023 has been approved by the Governor.
• The law provides for a fine of 10 crores rupees and life imprisonment or 10 years in jail for the copycat mafia. Educators and parents welcome the law, as they believe that cheating undermines the value of academic qualifications and the integrity of the education system. The law also provides for the confiscation of the property of the copying mafia.
• The law also takes strict action against students who leak exam papers. If a student is found guilty of leaking the paper or passing the examination by cheating, he/she will be banned from appearing in any recruitment examination for 10 years. 
• Such students will also face the Gangster Act, and their property will be confiscated. This rule applies to students who leak the question paper and those who pass the exam dishonestly by purchasing it.

Issues with academic cheating/copying

• Critics of the anti-cheating laws argue that the root causes of cheating, such as poor quality education and high levels of stress and competition among students, have not been addressed.
• They also contend that the laws fail to consider the lack of personal growth and the risk of dropouts due to the pressure of academic competition. The laws compromise the merit system, giving an unfair advantage to those who cheat, and discourage hard work.

Benefits provided by the Law

• The new anti-cheating law in Uttarakhand aims to reduce cheating during exams and promote fairness in the education system. It seeks to create a level playing field for all students and to ensure that academic achievements are based on merit and hard work rather than cheating.
• The law is expected to enhance the credibility of the education system and discourage cheating. Moreover, the laws are seen as ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their future careers. They maintain the quality of academics and encourage ethical behaviour.

Way Forward

• The implementation of the new anti-cheating law in Uttarakhand is expected to have a positive impact on the fairness and integrity of the educational system in the long run. However, it is crucial to ensure that the implementation strikes a balance between promoting fairness and safeguarding the well-being of students.
• These new anti-copying laws are a significant step forward in addressing the issue of academic dishonesty in the state. The success of these laws in the long term will depend on the collaboration of educators, students, and parents to establish a supportive and ethical learning environment that values knowledge, diligence, and integrity.