Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry After Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan stepped down from his position amid widespread demonstrations in New Delhi regarding examination paper leaks. The President's Secretariat confirmed the appointment via an official communique, noting that the transition takes effect immediately under Article 75 of the Constitution. Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs.

"The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India. Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio," an official release by Rashtrapati Bhavan stated.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Takes Over Education Portfolio

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation Amid Jantar Mantar Protests

Pradhan, 57, submitted his resignation letter on the 35th day of sustained demonstrations at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, which were organized in response to examination paper leak controversies. In his statement, Pradhan indicated that he chose to step down to prevent external or anti-national elements from exploiting the public demonstrations. List of Education Ministers of India: Tenure and Qualifications.

"For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform," he said in his resignation letter. "I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation."

Protests Called Off After Government Assurance

Hours after the resignation was confirmed, representatives for the organising Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) - including spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka - appeared alongside Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh in a joint press conference. The organizers announced that they had ended the demonstration "in good faith" after receiving assurances from the central government that their core demands would be met. Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister, Says ‘Pained by Last 10 Days’ Events’.

Pradhan's departure was the primary objective of the campaign initiated by Abhijeet Dipke, a graduate of Boston University who returned to India to lead the mobilization against administrative failures in national testing systems. With Joshi stepping into the role to oversee the portfolio alongside his existing responsibilities, the ministry faces an immediate mandate to restore stability and address student concerns.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 08:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).