Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The appointment was announced by the President of India on Saturday evening after accepting Pradhan’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect.
According to an official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the decision was made on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joshi will continue to handle his existing ministries while taking charge of the Education Ministry.
Reshuffle Follows Education Row
The change in leadership comes amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post after mounting public and political pressure surrounding examination irregularities and demands for accountability in the country’s competitive examination system.
Following his resignation, the government moved swiftly to appoint Pralhad Joshi to oversee the Education Ministry while retaining his current responsibilities.
Joshi Retains Existing Portfolios
Pralhad Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, as well as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. With the latest decision, he will also oversee the Ministry of Education until further orders.
A senior BJP leader from Karnataka, Joshi has represented the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency since 2004. During the previous Narendra Modi government, he served as the Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs between 2019 and 2024.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Statement
The official communiqué issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that the President accepted Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation under Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India.
It further noted that, on the advice of the Prime Minister, Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional responsibility of heading the Ministry of Education alongside his existing ministerial portfolios.
Joshi Praises Dharmendra Pradhan
Following the announcement, Joshi paid tribute to his predecessor in a post on X. He described Dharmendra Pradhan’s political career as distinguished and acknowledged his contribution to India’s education sector.
Joshi said Pradhan played a key role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introducing more than 100 reforms across the education system. He added that Pradhan’s decision to resign reflected his commitment to placing the nation’s interests above personal considerations.
Expressing confidence in Pradhan’s continued public service, Joshi said their paths would cross again in the shared mission of contributing to India’s development.
With Joshi now leading the Education Ministry in addition to his existing responsibilities, attention will focus on how the government addresses examination reforms and restores confidence in India’s competitive examination system.