New Delhi, July 30 : Parliament witnessed a politically charged day during the ninth day of the Monsoon Session on Thursday, with the Rajya Sabha taking up discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, while the Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following a brief debate.
The Upper House saw heated exchanges as the Opposition sought to corner the government over issues related to students and the country’s education system during the discussion on the Public Examinations Bill.
Participating in the debate, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Centre of failing to safeguard the interests of students and alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah bore responsibility for the difficulties faced by students in recent months. Kharge also alleged that individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were occupying key positions in educational institutions.
His remarks drew strong objections from members of the treasury benches, triggering noisy scenes in the House. Several ruling party members protested the allegations, leading to brief disruptions before proceedings resumed.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the existing legal framework to curb malpractices in public examinations and improve the integrity of recruitment and entrance examinations. The proposed amendments come in the wake of recent controversies surrounding examination irregularities and paper leaks that have sparked nationwide debate over the conduct of competitive examinations.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, after a symbolic discussion in which DMK MP Kanimozhi and BJP MP Sambit Patra briefly participated. The Bill was passed by voice vote.
Following the passage of the Bill, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day and is scheduled to reconvene on Friday, July 31, at 11 a.m.
The Monsoon Session has remained politically charged, with repeated confrontations between the government and the Opposition over examination reforms, student welfare, governance, and other legislative issues. Besides legislative business, both Houses have witnessed frequent exchanges over matters related to education policy, accountability, and institutional reforms.
Further discussions on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill are expected to continue in the Rajya Sabha as Parliament proceeds with its legislative agenda during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
