KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13: The Ministries of Education and Higher Education are currently reviewing two proposed laws aimed at enhancing academic integrity. The first proposal seeks to criminalize the theft of scientific research and books, while the second focuses on criminalizing cheating, in line with directives from the Council of Ministers. These proposals were submitted by the Kuwaiti Society for Quality Education.

According to sources Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Education, has instructed the relevant authorities in both ministries to study the proposals and submit their assessments.

The sources noted that the Kuwaiti Society for Quality Education raised concerns in a letter to the Council of Ministers about the growing issue of individuals obtaining academic rights and recognition through stolen research and books. This practice, they argue, undermines scientific integrity, making it necessary to introduce legislation that criminalizes such actions. The Society submitted a draft law aimed at addressing the issue of plagiarism in scientific and intellectual works.

In addition, the Society proposed a draft law to combat violations of evaluation and examination systems, particularly the widespread cheating in school exams over the past decade. The proposal emphasizes that cheating not only undermines the educational system but also threatens the nation’s future by weakening the foundation of its youth.