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

New Delhi — Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over exam paper leaks.

The President’s Office confirmed Joshi’s appointment in a communique this evening after accepting Pradhan’s resignation.

Joshi currently serves as Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs.

Pralhad Joshi’s First Statement

Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Joshi said:

“I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last 12 years of PM Narendra Modi’s government, many historic achievements have been made.”

He added that Pradhan had implemented the National Education Policy and several key initiatives in the last 4-5 years.

“Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication,” Joshi said.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

Dharmendra Pradhan, 57, resigned on the 35th day of protests at Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks.

In his resignation letter he said he stepped down to ensure “anti-national forces” do not exploit the situation.

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

CJP Calls Off Protest

Hours after the resignation, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka held a joint press conference with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh and announced they were ending the protest “in good faith” after the Centre assured to meet their demands.

Pradhan’s resignation was the main demand of the group led by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who returned to India to lead the protest.

Joshi on Student Protests

Just a day before the resignation, Joshi had said the government was committed to protecting students and accused “anti-social elements” of trying to hijack the CJP-led protest. 

“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,” he had said on Friday.