Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Union Education Minister Amid Student Protests

New Delhi, July 26: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from the Union Council of Ministers following days of nationwide student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and broader concerns about examination integrity. His resignation has been formally accepted by the President of India, and Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said his decision was guided by the interests of students and the nation, stressing that the issue was 'not a matter of personal prestige.' He expressed concern over the recent developments and said he wanted to ensure that students' futures were not affected by prolonged uncertainty and political conflict. The resignation follows sustained demonstrations by students and youth groups demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities. The protests, which spread across several parts of the country, called for reforms in the examination system and greater transparency in the conduct of competitive entrance tests. The Union Government confirmed the resignation through an official press communiqué. Until a permanent appointment is made, Pralhad Joshi will oversee the Education Ministry in addition to his existing responsibilities. Political leaders across the spectrum reacted to the development, with supporters describing it as an act of responsibility and critics calling it an important step toward restoring public confidence in the country's education system. Student organizations, meanwhile, have welcomed the move but continue to press for comprehensive reforms to prevent future examination irregularities.