New Delhi, July 26: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday officially assumed charge as the Union Minister for Education at Kartavya Bhavan, a day after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers.
Mr. Joshi, who continues to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, was entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Education following the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post on July 25, with his resignation accepted by the President under Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India, with immediate effect.
Following the change in leadership, Pralhad Joshi chaired a review meeting at the Ministry of Education to assess the implementation of ongoing schemes, programmes, and key initiatives. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary attended the meeting alongside senior officials.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, T. K. Anil Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, and other senior officers of the Ministry.
According to an official statement, the President assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education to Pralhad Joshi on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation came amid nationwide student protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, which had intensified political pressure on the Union government. Protesters had demanded accountability from the Ministry of Education over alleged irregularities in the examination process.
With Pralhad Joshi taking charge, the Ministry is expected to continue reviewing ongoing education policies while addressing key issues related to examinations, higher education, and school education.