Union Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi has assumed additional responsibility for the Ministry of Education after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from the post.
The Centre announced the decision on Saturday after President Droupadi Murmu approved Pradhan’s resignation on the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The leadership change comes amid widespread protests over alleged examination paper leaks.
President Murmu accepted Pradhan’s resignation with immediate effect under Article 75(2) of the Constitution. She also authorised Pralhad Joshi to oversee the Ministry of Education while continuing to discharge his duties as Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs.
The government said the transition would take effect immediately to ensure the Ministry continues to function without interruption.
Pradhan resigned at a time when the Education Ministry was facing mounting criticism over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Student protests intensified across several states, with demonstrators demanding greater accountability and reforms to the examination process.
During a joint press briefing on Saturday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Cockroach Janata Party leader Saurav Das appealed to protesting students to return home, stating that the government had accepted all their demands.
As an experienced member of the Union Cabinet, Joshi will now manage the Education Ministry alongside his existing responsibilities.
Government officials said assigning him the additional portfolio would help maintain administrative continuity while preventing any disruption in the Ministry’s ongoing work.
The President’s notification formally completed both Pradhan’s resignation and Joshi’s appointment.
The Centre is expected to announce a permanent arrangement for the Education Ministry at a later stage.
Also Read: ‘A Proud Moment For Every Indian’: PM Modi On Sarnath’s UNESCO Honour
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
