Parliamentary panel urges bans on rallies during major exam days

During a presentation to the Rajya Sabha chairman, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, chaired by Mukul Wasnik, called for stricter controls on public gatherings on days of high-stakes exams. It recommends amending the Public Examinations Act, 2024 so that district administrations automatically refuse permission for rallies, processions or large gatherings that could impede traffic and law-and-order arrangements.

The recommendation follows the NEET paper-leak scandal and student protests that led to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The committee also noted that candidates arriving a few minutes late are often barred entry, wasting a year’s preparation, and suggested a mechanism for late entry with an undertaking and no extra time. Additionally, it advised creating a separate 15-minute window before or after the exam for invigilator paperwork, to avoid disturbing students during the test.