Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation Letter: Read Full Text of Former Education Minister's Statement

New Delhi, July 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said he has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the need to safeguard students' future and prevent "anti-national forces" from taking advantage of the ongoing protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. In a detailed post on X, Pradhan said the decision was not about personal prestige but was taken in the larger interest of the nation and the country's youth.

Dharmendra Pradhan Says Students' Future Is the Priority

In his statement, Pradhan said he has devoted more than four decades to students, teachers and educational reforms, adding that he has always believed a strong education system is the foundation of a strong nation.

Referring to the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, he said the Centre acted promptly by handing the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the exam and announcing a fresh examination. He also noted that the government had decided to conduct the exam in computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year. Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Union Education Minister.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation: Union Education Minister Says He Has Sent Resignation to PM Amid Jantar Mantar Protests

References NEET-UG Row and Fresh Examination

Pradhan said the government's priority was to ensure that over 20 lakh students could take the re-conducted examination smoothly. He credited the Centre, state governments, district administrations, students and parents for successfully completing the examination on June 21, 2026.

He added that he had accepted responsibility for the issue from the beginning and remained committed to ensuring that deserving students were not affected by the examination mafia.

'Anti-National Forces Should Not Benefit'

Explaining his decision, Pradhan said the developments of the past several days had left him saddened. He said India's youth are the nation's greatest strength and should not be caught in confusion or prolonged legal disputes. Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Rahul Gandhi, Congress of ‘Using Students As Political Tools’ After PM Modi Residence Protest.

Citing the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, he said he had decided to send his resignation to the Prime Minister so that "anti-national forces" could not exploit the situation and students could focus on their education and careers.

Thanks PM Modi and Reaffirms Commitment to Public Service

Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation and expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials and others who worked with him during his tenure.

He concluded by saying that service to the nation would remain the highest priority of his life and pledged to continue working for the aspirations of India, Odisha and the country's youth with the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).