The Lahore Education Board in Punjab has introduced new rules, imposing a three-year jail term and a fine of Rs 50,000 for leaking or sharing exam papers.
Under the new rules, government officials involved in exam leaks will face prison, fines and dismissal from their jobs. Furthermore, the use of mobile phones in practical examinations or any form of interference will result in action under the Jeddah Law.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has been leading a major crackdown on cheating for almost a year. Reflecting on the operation, he revealed: When we went after the ‘boti mafia’, we were shocked at how powerful these individuals were, having gained control of the entire system.
He continued: “In March last year, we launched a crackdown on exam cheating. After months of effort, we dismantled seven gangs, each operating independently. These gangs were backed by a private school mafia that It involved government staff, exam boards and teachers.”
Rana Sikandar Hayat also mentioned that private staff members of the examination centers were caught red-handed, charging up to Rs 10,000 for solving papers for students. “After months of hard work, we are focusing on legal reforms. The Lahore Board has already started implementing them and other boards are following suit.”
He further explained, “The people we caught ran networks to facilitate cheating through social media and other digital platforms. Despite filing cases, many managed to escape because there were no laws to address digital cheating. Now, we have shut down all such gaps.”
“From now on, anyone caught cheating will go straight to jail and there will be no bail in such cases,” he added.
Teachers’ associations have welcomed the implementation of stricter anti-cheating laws.
