Indian Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the ministry of education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amid protests over exam paper leaks.
The President’s office confirmed Joshi’s appointment in a communique issued on Saturday evening after accepting Pradhan’s resignation, reports NDTV.
Joshi currently serves as the union minister of Food and Consumer Affairs.
Speaking to reporters after the appointment was confirmed, 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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, many historic achievements have been made.”
He added, “In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication.”
Pradhan, 57, submitted his resignation on the 35th day of the protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks.
In his resignation letter, he said he had decided to step down to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation.
“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,” he wrote.
Hours after Pradhan’s resignation, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, during a joint press conference with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, announced that the group had withdrawn its protest “in good faith” after receiving assurances from the Centre that its demands would be addressed.
Pradhan’s resignation had been the protesters’ primary demand. The movement was launched by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who recently returned to India to lead the campaign against exam paper leaks.
A day before Pradhan resigned and the CJP called off its protest, Joshi reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding students’ interests while accusing “anti-social elements” of trying to exploit the movement.
Addressing reporters in Delhi on Friday, Joshi said the Centre had shown genuine concern and sensitivity towards students and had consistently worked to strengthen the education system and secure the future of young people.
“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 said.
He further said, “Students have every right to protest peacefully. However, there are reports that anti-social elements are trying to hijack the movement. Students must remain cautious and ensure their genuine concerns are not exploited,” a day before Pradhan’s resignation and the CJP’s decision to end the protest.
