New Delhi: Union Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.
The statement said President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted Pradhan’s resignation. It further stated that the President had directed Pralhad Joshi to take charge of the Education Ministry in addition to his existing ministerial responsibilities.
The appointment comes amid nationwide attention on the education sector following weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
President accepts Pradhan’s resignation
According to the official communication, President Murmu formally accepted the resignation submitted by Dharmendra Pradhan.
The statement added that, based on the Prime Minister’s recommendation, Pralhad Joshi would oversee the Ministry of Education while continuing to handle his existing portfolios.
The move ensures continuity in the functioning of the ministry until further decisions are taken by the Union government.
Joshi to hold dual portfolios
Pralhad Joshi, the Member of Parliament from Dharwad in Karnataka, currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy.
He also serves as the President of the International Solar Alliance.
With the additional responsibility, Joshi will now oversee key education-related policies and programmes while continuing to discharge his existing ministerial duties.
Pradhan cites student interests
Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on Saturday, stating that his decision was taken to safeguard the future of students and prevent what he described as “anti-national forces” from exploiting the ongoing protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
His resignation came amid sustained demonstrations over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak issue.
Pradhan’s exit marks a rare instance of a senior minister in the Narendra Modi-led government stepping down amid prolonged public protests and political pressure.
Appointment follows talks with protesters
The leadership change came just hours before the third round of discussions between the Union government and representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had spearheaded the nationwide agitation.
Before the talks, CJP leaders had described Pradhan’s resignation as a non-negotiable demand and maintained that it was central to resolving the protest.
Following discussions with the Centre, the CJP later announced the withdrawal of its protest after stating that its demands had been accepted by the government.
CJP warns new Education Minister
After Pralhad Joshi’s appointment, CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das urged the new Education Minister to address students’ concerns without delay.
He said the youth had made it clear that if their issues were not resolved and promised reforms were not implemented, they would return to Jantar Mantar to seek accountability from the government.
The organisation reiterated its demand for comprehensive reforms in the examination system to restore transparency, fairness and public confidence.
Focus shifts to education reforms
With a new minister taking charge of the Education Ministry, attention is now expected to shift towards the government’s response to the concerns raised by students and stakeholders.
The coming weeks are likely to focus on proposed examination reforms, measures to strengthen the integrity of national entrance tests and efforts to rebuild confidence in the country’s education system.