Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge of Education Ministry After Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect. The decision was taken on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to an official notification issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Pradhan's resignation came amid nationwide protests over the NEET examination controversy, with the former minister stating that he stepped down in the interest of students and to ensure that the protests were not exploited by anti-national forces.

President Accepts Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

According to the official statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President accepted Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation under Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India. The notification further stated that Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the Education Ministry in addition to his existing ministerial responsibilities.

Key Appointment Details

Particulars	Details
New Education Minister (Additional Charge)	Pralhad Joshi
Previous Minister	Dharmendra Pradhan
Effective Date	Immediate
Appointed By	President Droupadi Murmu on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Constitutional Provision	Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India

Pralhad Joshi to Continue Existing Portfolios

Along with the Education Ministry, Pralhad Joshi will continue serving as the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He is the Lok Sabha MP from Dharwad, Karnataka, and also serves as the President of the International Solar Alliance.

Current Portfolios of Pralhad Joshi

Portfolio	Status
Ministry of Education	Additional Charge
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution	Continues
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)	Continues
International Solar Alliance	President

Resignation Follows NEET Protest Movement

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation follows weeks of student led protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly the NEET paper leak controversy. Protesters demanded greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the examination system, making the Education Minister's resignation one of their key demands.

Pradhan announced his resignation before the third round of discussions between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had been leading the protest movement.

CJP Withdraws Protest After Government Talks

Following discussions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced the withdrawal of its 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar, stating that it had received assurances from the government regarding its demands after Pradhan stepped down.

However, the organisation also warned that it would resume protests if promised reforms were not implemented within the agreed timeline.

Why This Appointment Matters

The appointment of Pralhad Joshi ensures continuity in the functioning of the Education Ministry while the government addresses issues related to examination reforms and student concerns. With the NEET controversy remaining a major national issue, the new leadership is expected to focus on restoring confidence in the country's examination system and implementing reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.

Who is the new Education Minister of India?

Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign?

Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over the NEET examination controversy, stating that he stepped down in the interest of students and to prevent the issue from being exploited by anti-national forces.

Which ministries does Pralhad Joshi currently handle?

Pralhad Joshi continues to head the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and now holds the additional charge of the Ministry of Education.

What happened after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned?

Following his resignation, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced the withdrawal of its 37-day protest after receiving assurances from the government regarding its demands.

Under which constitutional provision was the resignation accepted?

The resignation was accepted under Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India, as stated in the official notification issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.