New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as India’s new Education Minister after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the role on Saturday. Joshi, who currently serves as the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has been assigned additional charge of the Ministry of Education following an official communique issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The official statement confirmed that the President accepted Pradhan’s resignation with immediate effect on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Consequently, the President directed that Joshi be handed charge of the education portfolio alongside his existing cabinet responsibilities to ensure uninterrupted governance.
Pradhan’s decision to resign followed widespread student protests across the country demanding his departure amidst controversies surrounding the national entrance examination system. Reflecting on his decision, Pradhan expressed deep concern regarding recent developments, stating that the situation was not a matter of personal prestige and noting his distress over the unfolding events of the past ten days.