What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ? (Answer in 250 words).

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aims to curb malpractices during public examinations in India, enhancing the integrity and credibility of the examination system. The key objectives of the Act include:

1. Deterrence of Malpractices: The Act establishes stringent penalties for using unfair means, including cheating and impersonation, thereby aiming to deter such behaviors among candidates.
2. Standardized Regulations: It introduces uniform standards and regulations for conducting public examinations, ensuring consistency and fairness across various examination boards.
3. Enhanced Surveillance: The Act mandates the use of technology for monitoring examinations, such as CCTV surveillance and biometric attendance, to ensure transparency and accountability.
4. Legal Framework for Action: It provides a legal framework for investigating and prosecuting offenses related to unfair means, thereby facilitating swift legal action against offenders.
5. Awareness and Education: The Act emphasizes the need for awareness campaigns to educate students about the consequences of unfair practices, promoting ethical behavior.

Coverage of University/State Education Board Examinations:

The Act explicitly covers all public examinations conducted by various educational authorities, including universities and state education boards. This inclusion ensures that the measures to prevent unfair means are applied uniformly across different levels of education, enhancing the overall integrity of the examination system.

In conclusion, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, represents a significant step toward fostering a fair and credible educational environment in India, impacting both university and state board examinations.