The President approved the appointment on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, days after protests over alleged examination paper leaks led to a change in the Education Ministry.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education, following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the post of Union Education Minister.
The appointment was confirmed in an official communication issued by the President of India, stating that the decision was made on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joshi will continue to handle his existing responsibilities as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs while overseeing the Education Ministry.
President approves change in Education Ministry
The President’s office announced that Pralhad Joshi would assume charge of the Ministry of Education in addition to his current portfolio after accepting Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
The development comes amid nationwide attention on alleged examination paper leaks and student protests that had intensified in recent weeks.
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Dharmendra Pradhan steps down
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after weeks of demonstrations centered on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan said his decision was intended to prevent what he described as “anti-national forces” from exploiting the prevailing situation.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said he had spent more than four decades working for students, teachers and educational reform while emphasizing his belief that a strong and inclusive education system is essential for the country’s progress.
Protest withdrawn after government assurances
Shortly after Pradhan’s resignation, representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced that they were ending their protest at Jantar Mantar.
During a joint press conference with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka said they were withdrawing the agitation after the Centre assured them that several of their key demands would be addressed.
The resignation of the Education Minister had been one of the organization’s principal demands during the protest over the alleged examination paper leak issue.
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Joshi had reaffirmed government’s commitment to students
A day before the ministerial change, Pralhad Joshi had reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting students’ interests and strengthening the country’s education system.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, he said the Centre remained committed to taking strict action against any irregularities affecting students and their future.
He also stated that while students have the democratic right to protest peacefully, there were reports suggesting that anti-social elements were attempting to exploit the demonstrations. He urged students to remain vigilant and ensure that their concerns were not diverted from their original purpose.
Focus shifts to education reforms
With Joshi assuming additional responsibility for the Education Ministry, attention is expected to turn toward the government’s response to concerns surrounding examination integrity and proposed reforms.
The Centre has indicated that it intends to strengthen safeguards against examination malpractices while continuing discussions on broader education reforms aimed at improving transparency and restoring confidence in competitive examinations.
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FAQ
Why was Pralhad Joshi given charge of the Education Ministry?
Pralhad Joshi was assigned the additional charge after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister.
Which ministry does Pralhad Joshi currently head?
He continues to serve as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs while also overseeing the Ministry of Education.
Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign?
According to his resignation letter, Pradhan said he stepped down to prevent what he described as anti-national forces from exploiting the situation arising from protests over alleged examination paper leaks.
What happens next?
The government is expected to continue addressing concerns related to examination integrity while pursuing discussions on broader education sector reforms.
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