Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry After Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid the ongoing controversy over exam paper leaks and student protests.

The appointment was announced on Friday after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan’s resignation. Joshi, who currently heads the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, will oversee the Education Ministry until further arrangements are made.

In his resignation letter, Pradhan said he was stepping down to prevent “anti-national forces” from taking advantage of the situation surrounding the protests over examination paper leaks. The 57-year-old leader said he had devoted more than four decades to strengthening India’s education system and believed his resignation would help restore public confidence.

“For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” Pradhan wrote.

His resignation came on the 35th day of protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had demanded accountability over recurring paper leak incidents. Shortly after Pradhan stepped down, CJP leaders announced they were ending their protest after the Centre assured them that their key demands would be addressed.

A day before taking charge of the Education Ministry, Joshi had reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding students’ interests and ensuring strict action against any irregularities in examinations. While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, he had also urged students to remain vigilant against attempts by anti-social elements to exploit the movement.

“The Modi government has always stood with students and the youth. It remains committed to taking strict action against any irregularities or injustices that affect their future,” Joshi had said. He also appealed to protesters to ensure that their genuine concerns were not misused by vested interests.