Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry After Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 26, 2026: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protests over alleged examination paper leaks.

The appointment was confirmed by the President’s Office on Saturday after accepting Pradhan’s resignation. Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, will now also oversee the Education Ministry.

Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Joshi said he was accepting the responsibility with humility and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity.

"In the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, several historic milestones have been achieved. Over the past four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan has successfully implemented the National Education Policy and launched several important initiatives. I will work with dedication to further strengthen the country’s education system under the Prime Minister’s guidance," he said.

Pradhan, 57, stepped down on the 35th day of protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over alleged examination paper leaks. In his resignation letter, he said he had decided to resign to prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation.

"For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to students, teachers, and educational reforms. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation," Pradhan said in his resignation letter.

Hours after his resignation, spokespersons of the CJP, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, announced at a joint press conference with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh that the organisation was calling off its protest "in good faith" after receiving assurances from the Centre that its demands would be addressed.

Pradhan’s resignation had been the principal demand of the protest movement launched by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who recently returned to India to campaign against examination paper leaks.

A day before the resignation, Joshi had reiterated the Centre’s commitment to safeguarding students’ interests and strengthening the education system. While affirming that students had every right to protest peacefully, he cautioned that "anti-social elements" were attempting to exploit the movement and urged students to remain vigilant.