Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has assumed office as the Union Education Minister, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity. Joshi, who currently holds the position of Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, took on the additional responsibility following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amidst nationwide protests over alleged exam paper leaks.
Joshi’s appointment comes during a period of heightened scrutiny on the Education Ministry due to student protests demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive exams. President Droupadi Murmu, on the advice of PM Modi, accepted Pradhan’s resignation under Article 75(2) of the Constitution and assigned Joshi the additional charge of the Education Ministry while he continues overseeing the Food and Consumer Affairs portfolio.
The resignation of Pradhan, who was leading the Education Ministry during the student unrest, marks a significant change in the Union Cabinet. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ended their protest after the government met their demands, including Pradhan’s resignation. Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with CJP representatives, held a joint press conference and urged students to halt protests as the government had addressed their key concerns.
