Birla offers six-hour debate extension on anti
Both Houses of Parliament witnessed repeated adjournments on Monday amid Opposition protests, even as the government pushed ahead with legislative amendments aimed at curbing examination malpractices.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 5 p.m., with Speaker Om Birla announcing that discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 will begin when the House reconvenes. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 3 p.m.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Speaker Birla urged the government and the Opposition to arrive at a consensus before proceedings resume. He said 91 amendments have been moved to the Bill and offered a dedicated six-hour discussion, with the possibility of extending the debate further depending on the “sense of the House.”
Describing the proposed legislation as significant for the country’s youth, Birla said the Bill is intended to curb the menace of paper leaks and strengthen the integrity of public examinations.
“The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, is important for the youth and is meant to curb paper leaks,” the Speaker said, while appealing to members to end sloganeering and participate in a constructive debate.
The proposed amendments seek to strengthen the existing legal framework to prevent unfair practices in public competitive examinations, following concerns over paper leaks and examination irregularities.
In the Rajya Sabha, proceedings were adjourned till 3 p.m. after Union Minister of State for Home Nityananda Rai moved the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill, 2026 for consideration. Deputy Chairman Harivansh subsequently adjourned the House.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties continued their protest in the Parliament complex over the alleged police action against students during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were among the Opposition leaders who participated in the demonstration.
-ANI
