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.

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Gangwar replaced Vineet Joshi as Higher Education Secretary after a government reshuffle. However, soon after his appointment, questions emerged over allegations related to horticulture subsidies received by his family members during his earlier tenure at the National Horticulture Board (NHB).

The allegations relate to subsidies granted for cucumber cultivation projects under a government-supported protected cultivation scheme aimed at promoting commercial horticulture.

Allegations Over Cucumber Cultivation Subsidies

According to a report published in June 2026, family members of Naresh Pal Gangwar allegedly received subsidies worth more than ₹1.16 crore under the National Horticulture Board’s scheme for protected cultivation.

The beneficiaries reportedly included Gangwar’s mother Bindumati, his wife Dr Ranjita Singh, and his son Kumar Writwik. The projects were located in Jaipur district, Rajasthan, and involved cucumber cultivation using protected farming methods.

The scheme, titled “Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Crops,” operates under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). It is administered by the National Horticulture Board, an organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

The report raised questions about the approval process and whether there was any possible conflict of interest, considering Gangwar’s senior government positions during the period when these projects were initiated and approved.

Details of Subsidies Received by Family Members

Records cited in the report indicate that three family members received subsidies for separate cucumber cultivation projects.

Gangwar’s mother, Bindumati, reportedly received a subsidy of around ₹46.03 lakh in January 2025 for a cucumber cultivation project in Bhasingpura village under Jorpura Jobner tehsil in Jaipur district. The project covered approximately 8,880 square metres and had an estimated cost of ₹99.38 lakh.

At the time of the subsidy release, Gangwar was serving as Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Another project belonging to Gangwar’s son, Kumar Writwik, reportedly received a subsidy of around ₹46.49 lakh in March 2023. The cucumber cultivation project, located in Dhani Boraj village under Jorpura Jobner tehsil, covered about 8,736 square metres and had an estimated cost of ₹97.94 lakh.

A third project associated with Gangwar’s wife, Dr Ranjita Singh, reportedly received a subsidy of around ₹24.36 lakh during the 2021-22 financial year. The project, also related to cucumber cultivation, covered around 4,048 square metres and had an estimated cost of ₹49.31 lakh.

Questions Over Disclosure and Conflict of Interest

The report highlighted that Gangwar disclosed details of only one project approved under the scheme in his mandatory annual property declaration submitted to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for 2021-22.

The issue has triggered discussions over disclosure requirements and possible conflict-of-interest concerns involving government officials and their family members benefiting from state-supported schemes.

Gangwar Denies Any Wrongdoing

Responding to the allegations, Naresh Pal Gangwar denied any wrongdoing and stated that there was no violation of service rules.

He reportedly said that his mother and son did not fall under the category of dependent family members as defined under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules. He also stated that details regarding his wife’s assets were disclosed as required under government regulations.

Gangwar maintained that the horticulture projects were legitimate and had been approved under the applicable government scheme.

Agricultural Land Declaration Submitted to DoPT

In his immovable property declaration for 2024-25, filed with the Department of Personnel and Training on January 1, 2026, Gangwar reportedly disclosed agricultural land located in Dhani Boraj village in Jaipur district.

The declaration mentioned land ownership involving his wife, mother, son, and daughter.

The document also reportedly noted that a commercial horticulture project on the land had been sanctioned by the National Horticulture Board under the scheme for development of commercial horticulture through production and post-harvest management.

Appointment Comes During Critical Phase for Education Sector

Gangwar’s appointment as Higher Education Secretary comes at a time when the education ministry is dealing with several sensitive issues, including examination paper leak controversies, reforms in entrance examinations, and demands for greater accountability in assessment systems.

His new role places him at the centre of policy decisions affecting universities, higher education institutions, and national examination frameworks.

The allegations related to horticulture subsidies have therefore drawn additional attention because of the importance of maintaining transparency and public confidence in senior administrative appointments.

The matter has highlighted broader debates around conflict-of-interest rules, disclosure practices for senior bureaucrats, and the participation of government officials’ families in schemes administered by government bodies.

As Gangwar begins his tenure in the Higher Education Ministry, attention is likely to remain focused on both his administrative responsibilities and the outcome of any further examination of the subsidy-related allegations.

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Lokhande Prashant Sitaram currently serves in the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he holds the position of Additional Secretary. This new dual role will allow him to oversee both the CBSE and his responsibilities within the Ministry, filling the chairperson’s position until a permanent appointee is designated.

The revised order follows a previous announcement in June where Sitaram was named full-time CBSE Chairperson. The latest adjustment optimally divides his duties between the Home Ministry and the CBSE, illustrating the government’s intention to maintain effective leadership during this transition period.

Professional Background of Lokhande Prashant Sitaram

Lokhande Prashant Sitaram is a member of the 2001-batch AGMUT cadre of the Indian Administrative Service. His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering. He is an alumnus of both Pune University and the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai, showcasing a robust educational foundation in technical and management fields.

In his professional capacity, Lokhande has gained considerable experience in various administrative roles, contributing to his qualifications for overseeing the CBSE. His familiarity with government operations and policies positions him well to manage the complexities associated with educational governance.

The decision to place Sitaram in this leadership role at CBSE reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the board continues its essential functions without interruption. This includes conducting Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for millions of students across India and abroad.

Significance of CBSE’s Leadership

The CBSE is responsible for regulating more than 30,000 affiliated schools, implementing national education policies, and driving examination reforms. These functions are crucial for maintaining educational standards, and thus, strong leadership during this phase is necessary. The continuity of administrative operations allows the board to function smoothly during the search for a permanent chairperson.

Officials have indicated that the government’s decision aims to avoid any lapse in the board’s administrative and academic work, which is pivotal for the educational journey of countless students. The timely management of board examinations and school policies plays a central role in shaping the educational landscape of the country.

As he takes on this significant role, Lokhande Prashant Sitaram is expected to navigate the challenges of educational administration and ensure that CBSE maintains its high standards during this critical transitional phase.

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छात्र अपनी उत्तर पुस्तिकाएं वेरिफाई या री-इवैल्यूट कराने के लिए 26 से 29 मई के बीच आवेदन कर सकते हैं। हालांकि, बोर्ड ने यह स्पष्ट किया है कि रीवैल्यूएशन प्रक्रिया ओएसएम (ऑन स्क्रीन मार्किंग) प्रणाली के तहत ही होगी। अधिकारी ने बताया कि यदि अवेदनों की संख्या बढ़ती है, तो प्रक्रिया की तिथि को भी बढ़ाया जा सकता है।

OSM की कमियों पर छात्रों की शिकायतें

यह निर्णय ओन-स्क्रीन मार्किंग (OSM) प्रणाली से जुड़े मुद्दों के कारण आया है। 12वीं के परिणाम आने के बाद कई छात्रों और उनके अभिभावकों ने OSM पर सवाल उठाए थे। उनके अनुसार, इस प्रणाली की वजह से कई छात्रों को अपेक्षाकृत कम अंक मिले हैं।

राजनीतिक प्रतिक्रिया का दौर

नेता प्रतिपक्ष राहुल गांधी ने शिक्षा मंत्री को आड़े हाथों लिया है। उन्होंने कहा कि पहले नीट पेपर लीक हुआ और अब CBSE 12वीं के परिणाम में OSM के कारण छात्रों को कम अंक मिले। उनके अनुसार, यह छात्रों की कॉलेज पात्रता पर भी नकारात्मक असर डाल रहा है।

नए छात्रों के सामने चुनौती

वहीं, छात्रों ने OSM सिस्टम के कारण स्टेप-मार्किंग में भी गड़बड़ी का आरोप लगाया है। इसकी वजह से कुछ छात्रों ने जिनके JEE में 99 पर्सेंटाइल हैं, उन्हें 12वीं बोर्ड में 75% का क्राइटेरिया पूरा नहीं कर पाने के कारण IIT-NIT में एडमिशन से बाहर होना पड़ा है।

CBSE का स्पष्टीकरण

दिल्ली में आयोजित प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में शिक्षा मंत्रालय के संजय कुमार ने कहा कि OSM प्रणाली पहली बार नहीं लागू की गई है। CBSE ने इसे पहले 2014 में लागू किया था, लेकिन तब तकनीकी समस्याओं के कारण इसे आगे नहीं बढ़ाया गया। उन्होंने बताया कि 98,66,222 उत्तर पुस्तिकाओं में से केवल 13,583 कॉपियां ऐसी थीं जिनकी स्कैन कॉपी OSM के माध्यम से जांच नहीं की जा सकी थी।

छात्रों के प्रति संवेदनशीलता

कुल मिलाकर, CBSE ने ये निर्णय छात्रों की बेहतर सुविधा और उनकी शिकायतों को ध्यान में रखते हुए लिया है। अब सभी की नजरें इस प्रक्रिया पर टिकी हुई हैं कि किस प्रकार से यह निर्णय छात्रों को प्रभावित करेगा। शिक्षा मंत्रालय और CBSE दोनों ने आगे की प्रक्रिया को लेकर स्पष्टता बरती है।

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रुचिता विज और अनुजा बापट का परिचय

रुचिता विज, जो 2004 बैच की सीनियर IRS अधिकारी हैं, को NTA में संयुक्त सचिव नियुक्त किया गया है। वर्तमान में वह वित्त मंत्रालय में कार्यरत हैं। दूसरी ओर, अनुजा बापट 1998 बैच की ISS अधिकारी हैं। इन दोनों की नियुक्ति NTA में एक नई दिशा देने के लिए की गई है, जो देश में प्रमुख राष्ट्रीय प्रवेश परीक्षाओं का आयोजन करती है। इनका कार्यकाल 5 साल का रहेगा, जिन्हें स्वीकृति कैबिनेट की नियुक्ति समिति (ACC) से मिली है।

NTA के विवाद और चुनौतियाँ

NTA पर NEET-UG परीक्षा के पेपर लीक के बाद गहन आलोचना का सामना करना पड़ा है। ये नियुक्तियां ऐसे समय में हुई हैं जब NTA का नया परीक्षा आयोजन 21 जून को प्रस्तावित है। रुचिता और अनुजा की भूमिका इस परीक्षा के सुचारू संचालन में महत्वपूर्ण होगी। NTA नेशनल लेवल पर इंजीनियरिंग, मेडिकल, प्रबंधन और फार्मेसी जैसी परीक्षाएं आयोजित करती है, और इसका इतिहास विवादों से भरा रहा है।

शिक्षा मंत्रालय की दिशा

NTA केंद्रीय शिक्षा मंत्रालय के उच्च शिक्षा विभाग के तहत एक स्वायत्त संस्था है, जो कि 2017 में स्थापित हुई। इस संस्था पर हमेशा से ट्रांसपेरेंसी और पब्लिक अकाउंटेबिलिटी के मुद्दे उठते रहे हैं। हाल ही में पेपर लीक की घटना ने इन सवालों को और भी तेज कर दिया है। सरकार ने वादा किया है कि वह NTA में जरूरी सुधार करेगी और ये नियुक्तियां उसी दिशा में उठाया गया महत्वपूर्ण कदम हैं।

क्या बदलेंगे NTA के हालात?

रुचिता विज और अनुजा बापट की नियुक्तियां NTA के लिए एक नई शुरुआत का प्रतीक हो सकती हैं। शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में ये प्रमुख बदलाव आने वाले समय में छात्रों और अभिभावकों की उम्मीदों को नया आधार देने का प्रयास करेंगे। NTA को अब अपने व्यवस्थापन में ट्रांसपेरेंसी लाने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत करनी होगी।

भविष्य की परीक्षा की तैयारी

NTA की अगली NEET-UG परीक्षा की तैयारी 21 जून को प्रस्तावित है। ऐसे में नई नियुक्तियों के बाद सभी की निगाहें इस परीक्षा के सफल संचालन पर टिकी रहेंगी। उम्मीदवारों के मन में एक सवाल है कि क्या ये नियुक्तियां NTA की पारदर्शिता को बढ़ाने का काम करेंगी। समय ही बताएगा कि NTA को इन बदलावों का कितना फायदा मिलेगा।

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नवीनता और निवेश की नई राहें

इस रोड शो का मुख्य उद्देश्य भारतीय स्टार्टअप्स को वैश्विक निवेशकों और सहयोगियों से जोड़ना था। कार्यक्रम में सेमीकंडक्टर, बायोटेक्नोलॉजी और स्पेस जैसे नए क्षेत्रों पर चर्चा हुई। ‘भारत इनोवेट्स 2026’ का आयोजन अगलेเดือน फ्रांस के नीस शहर में होने वाला है।

दिग्गज कंपनियों का सहयोग

रोड शो में फ्रांस के बिजनेस और इनोवेशन इकोसिस्टम के प्रमुख प्रतिनिधि भी शामिल हुए। ‘ला फ्रेंच टेक’ और ‘विवाटेक’ जैसे संगठनों के प्रतिनिधियों ने भारतीय स्टार्टअप्स के लिए संभावनाओं पर चर्चा की। इसमें शीर्ष शैक्षणिक संस्थानों के वरिष्ठ प्रतिनिधियों ने भी भाग लिया।

मौकों की पहचान

कार्यक्रम का मकसद संभावित निवेशकों को ‘भारत इनोवेट्स 2026’ के लक्ष्यों और अवसरों की जानकारी देना था। इसमें एक प्लेटफॉर्म के रूप में कार्य करने का भी प्रयास किया गया। यह मंच निवेशकों को भारत के बढ़ते इनोवेशन इकोसिस्टम से जोड़ने में मदद करेगा।

ग्लोबल पार्टनरशिप पर जोर

शिक्षा मंत्रालय के संयुक्त सचिव के. एम. प्रफुल्लचंद्र शर्मा ने भारत और फ्रांस के बीच की विशेष वैश्विक रणनीतिक साझेदारी का जिक्र किया। साथ ही, गोविंद जायसवाल ने ‘भारत इनोवेट्स 2026’ पर एक प्रस्तुति दी, जिसमें ग्लोबल निवेशकों के लिए भारत के अवसरों को बताया गया।

एक्सीलरेटर के रूप में भारत

प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने ‘भारत इनोवेट्स 2026’ की घोषणा इस साल फरवरी में की थी। यह कार्यक्रम भारतीय यूनिवर्सिटीज द्वारा किए गए नवाचारों को लैब से बाजार तक पहुंचाने के लिए एक ‘ग्लोबल एक्सीलरेटर’ का रूप लेगा।

निर्णायक संवाद सत्र

रोड शो का अंत एक इंटरैक्टिव सवाल-जवाब सत्र के साथ हुआ। इस सत्र में प्रतिभागियों को भारतीय प्रतिनिधिमंडल से सीधे संवाद करने और संभावित साझेदारियों पर चर्चा करने का अवसर मिला।

‘भारत इनोवेट्स’ की 13 प्रौद्योगिकी क्षेत्रों पर नजर

भारत इनोवेट्स 2026 का निवेश पर केंद्रित ढांचा निवेशकों के लिए विशेष रूप से तैयार किया गया। हाई-वैल्यू और समय-कुशल जुड़ाव के लिए वन-टू-वन मैचमेकिंग सेशंस और स्टार्टअप प्रदर्शनियों की योजना बनाई गई है।

शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में नई शुरुआत

यह कार्यक्रम भारतीय एजुकेशन इकोलॉजी को एक नई दिशा देने का प्रयास है। इसका आयोजन 14 से 16 जून 2026 तक नीस में होने वाला है, जिसमें वैश्विक स्तर पर नवाचार को बढ़ावा देने की योजना है।

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The post भारत का पेरिस में ‘भारत इनोवेट्स 2026’ रोड शो, स्टार्टअप्स को वैश्विक मंच पर लाने की कोशिश appeared first on The CSR Journal.

A nationwide enforcement drive, issued by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, comes after the 8th Apex Committee meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), which was held on May 15. The urgent need to safeguard young minds from harmful substances was the focus of the meeting which called for coordinated efforts between education and law enforcement departments.

Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines

The Ministry of Education is implementing the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines. As part of this, schools and colleges must follow certain instructions to keep campuses tobacco-free:

Display ‘Tobacco Free Area’ signage inside the premises

Display ‘Tobacco Free Educational Institution’ signage at the entrance or boundary

No evidence of Tobacco use in the premises

Display awareness materials showcasing the harmful effects of tobacco

Conduct at least one tobacco control activity every six months

Nominate Tobacco Monitors

Include Tobacco-Free Policy in School Code of Conduct

Apart from the above, schools and colleges will have to collaborate with local authorities to mark a yellow line 100 yards around premises to designate a tobacco-free zone and ensure no shops or vendors sell tobacco products within that 100-yard zone.

Support from school management, teachers and parents

The Ministry has emphasized that School Management Committees (SMCs), teachers, and parents should play an active role in supporting this mission. By spreading awareness and reporting violations, communities can help create safe spaces for students to learn and grow.

State govt should ensure no tobacco products are sold near educational institutions

Starting May 31, 2025 — World No Tobacco Day — and continuing until June 26, 2025 — International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking — states/UTs have been urged by the Centre to launch a month-long enforcement drive to enforce Section 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which bans:

The sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions

The sale of tobacco to or by minors

States are also encouraged to develop a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that allows school and college staff to report violations directly and without fear to local police.

Tobacco consumption among India’s youth

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-2), 2019, revealed that 8.5% of Indian students aged 13–15 were using tobacco in some form. Even more alarming is the fact that over 5,500 children in India start using tobacco every single day.

Tobacco use is often the gateway to more dangerous substances. Most adult users begin during adolescence, and many are able to buy these products easily from shops near schools, despite existing laws.

Initiatives by Govt of India to prevent tobacco/alcohol consumption among youth

The Health ministry has been actively working to reduce the tobacco use among India’s youth. Under Section 6 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, tobacco products cannot be sold to youth aged below 18 years. Under this Act, selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institutions is also prohibited.

As per the Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 enacted by Ministry of Women and Child Development, giving intoxicating liquor (alcohol) or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance to a child under 18 years of age, except by a doctor’s order, is prohibited and punishable.

The Health ministry enacted Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019 to prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes and similar devices, which are harmful and has potential for initiating tobacco use amongst youth.

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