'To completely curb use of unfair means': President Murmu underlines push to protect exams

President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of protecting public examinations in her address to the nation. She described public examinations as "gateways to the opportunities" available to students and highlighted the government's efforts to curb unfair practices and make the examination system more transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Murmu underlined that 65% of India's population is below the age of 35, describing the country's youth as its most valuable asset. She stressed the role students play in entrepreneurship, space research, innovation, and job creation.

In an effort to curb unfair means, the government amended the 2024 anti-cheating law to enact the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026. The new law imposes stricter penalties, including a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for individual offenders and up to ₹10 crore for organized syndicates, as well as imprisonment of up to 10 years. The government has also formed a high-powered exam-reforms task force to develop comprehensive, tech-driven, and leak-proof exam reforms.

Murmu highlighted the opportunities opening up for India's youth through government initiatives and emerging economic activities, such as self-employment, entrepreneurship, and the growing start-up ecosystem. She cited the successful rocket launch by Skyroot Aerospace, a young team with an average age of just 28, as proof of India's talented, committed, and skilled young population.

The President also discussed the government's efforts to promote sports and youth development, including unprecedented investments through initiatives like Khelo India. She highlighted the growing participation of women in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, with over 100 million women as members of self-help groups and a goal of creating another 30 million "Lakhpati Didis."

In sports, more than 10 crore women are members of Self Help Groups, and India won 8 out of its total tally of 13 gold medals in the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Regarding national security, Murmu recalled the successful Operation Sindoor launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, showcasing the armed forces' precision and sending a clear message to terrorists and their supporters. She also praised India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025, as a decisive step in the interest of the nation and its farmers.

Moreover, Murmu noted that making India "Naxal free" was a significant achievement, with formerly affected regions now experiencing enthusiasm and development.