Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday, 27 July appealed to Opposition parties to allow orderly proceedings in the Lok Sabha and engage in substantive debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning that disruption sends the wrong signal to students nationwide. The bill was introduced in the House the same day amid loud sloganeering from Opposition benches.

What the Bill Proposes

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 is designed to curb paper leaks and examination-related malpractice in public competitive exams. The Centre framed it as a legislative complement to a high-powered task force already constituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recommend comprehensive reforms in the examination system and ensure strict action against those involved in such offences.

Rijiju described the legislation as 'historic and revolutionary,' arguing it would effectively prevent future incidents of the kind that have drawn widespread student protests in recent months.

Rijiju's Charge Against the Opposition

Speaking to reporters after the House was adjourned, Rijiju accused the Indian National Congress (Congress) and several other Opposition parties of deliberately avoiding debate on a bill that directly concerns millions of students. 'Today, a very important bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, addressing the concerns of students across the country and the paper leak incident. However, the Congress Party and some Opposition parties are avoiding discussion on it. They are disrupting the proceedings of the House through sloganeering, placards, and other means,' he said.

The minister argued that Parliament is the most appropriate platform for resolving issues of national importance and expressed disappointment that the same issue could not be meaningfully discussed even when student protests were at their peak. 'This is neither appropriate for Parliament nor for democracy. Parliament is the highest forum for debate and discussion. If such important issues won't be discussed here, where will they be?' he said.

The Opposition's Counter-Demand

Opposition parties, while disrupting proceedings, also raised a separate demand — that Union Home Minister Amit Shah be held accountable for police action taken against student protesters. Rijiju deflected the demand, insisting the focus must remain on examination reforms and student welfare. 'Don't deviate from the topic. The highest priority at this time is the welfare of the country's students,' he said.

Call for Unanimous Passage

Rijiju renewed his appeal for cross-party consensus, urging all political parties to set aside differences and pass the bill unanimously. 'All parties should express their views and unanimously pass this Bill,' he said, adding that a failure to do so would send a 'wrong message to the students of the country.' He called on Congress in particular to 'understand the sentiments of the students.'

What Happens Next

The bill's passage depends on the Opposition agreeing to participate in structured debate. With the task force's recommendations expected to feed into the legislative framework, the government appears keen to fast-track the bill through the current session. Whether Opposition parties will relent and engage on the floor — or continue to press their separate accountability demands — will determine the bill's immediate trajectory.