Senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi was appointed as India’s new Union Education Minister on Saturday after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The leadership change comes amid the fallout from the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which sparked nationwide protests by students and demands for greater accountability.
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Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Over NEET-UG Controversy
Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Union Education Minister, taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. His resignation followed weeks of protests across the country, with students demanding transparency and reforms in the examination process.
President Droupadi Murmu formally accepted his resignation, paving the way for a new leadership team in the Ministry of Education.
Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister
Pralhad Joshi, a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Karnataka’s Dharwad constituency, has been entrusted with the Education Ministry. He will continue to hold the portfolios of New and Renewable Energy as well as Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Joshi has previously served as Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs and is regarded as one of the BJP’s experienced senior leaders.
Strong Administrative Experience
As Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Joshi has led several major clean energy initiatives aimed at achieving India’s renewable energy targets.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- PM-KUSUM Scheme
- Offshore Wind Energy Projects
- Expansion of renewable energy capacity
He has also focused on increasing annual renewable energy bids while supporting India’s long-term target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Education Ministry Faces Major Reforms
Pralhad Joshi assumes office at a crucial time as the Education Ministry is implementing significant reforms following the NEET-UG controversy.
The Centre has already announced multiple corrective measures aimed at strengthening the country’s examination system and restoring public confidence.
Key Reforms Underway
- Restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Stricter anti-paper leak mechanisms
- Enhanced examination security measures
- Transition of NEET to computer-based testing from 2027
Focus on Restoring Trust
The appointment of Pralhad Joshi comes as the government seeks to restore confidence in India’s competitive examination system. The Education Ministry is expected to prioritize examination security, institutional reforms and transparent implementation of upcoming policy changes.
With major reforms already announced, attention will now shift towards their execution under Joshi’s leadership as students and stakeholders closely monitor developments.
Conclusion
Pralhad Joshi’s appointment as Union Education Minister marks a significant change in the Centre’s response to the NEET-UG controversy. As the ministry moves ahead with wide-ranging examination reforms, the new minister will play a key role in strengthening India’s education system and rebuilding trust among students.
