Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed Parliament's passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying paper leak mafias and organised cheating syndicates would not be spared under the strengthened law and asserting that the government has been acting swiftly to curb examination fraud.In a video message shared on his social media platforms after the Rajya Sabha passed the legislation, Modi said the amended law would help build a more trustworthy examination system and ensure stricter action against those involved in compromising public examinations."Any paper mafia or paper-leak gang will not be spared now that this Bill has been passed," the Prime Minister said.Describing the legislation as a significant step towards safeguarding the integrity of public examinations, Modi said stringent legal provisions were necessary to tackle organised malpractice.Also Read: Rajya Sabha clears anti-paper leak Bill with tougher penalties for exam fraud"These stringent legislations are required in the country," he said.The Prime Minister said the Centre had moved quickly to address the issue of paper leaks and had taken a series of measures even before strengthening the law.Referring to the government's response, Modi said a dedicated task force had been constituted to recommend systemic reforms and strengthen the conduct of public examinations, alongside other steps to improve transparency and prevent future leaks.He also noted that, as promised, the Bill was debated in both Houses of Parliament before being passed."As I had promised, both the Houses debated the Bill and passed it," he said.Calling the legislation a milestone, Modi said it would strengthen confidence in India's examination system."This Bill, with its stringent laws and provisions, has been passed. A significant step has now been taken towards establishing a trustworthy examination system," he said.Modi said the government's efforts to eliminate unfair practices in examinations would continue even after the legislation comes into force."The work will continue. We will not allow such conditions to persist for long. With this conviction, let us all come together and move forward shoulder-to-shoulder to realise the dream of a developed India," he said.The Prime Minister said the government's objective was to ensure that honest students are protected and that merit remains the sole basis for success in public examinations.Also Read:Lok Sabha passes anti-paper leak Bill to tighten exam fraud penaltiesThe Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a day after it was cleared by the Lok Sabha. The legislation strengthens penalties for paper leaks and organised examination fraud by increasing the minimum jail term for individuals convicted of exam fraud from three years to five years and raising the maximum fine from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. It also enhances penalties for companies and agencies involved in conducting public examinations, including examination centres, technology providers and logistics partners.