New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
The appointment was announced through an official communiqué issued by the President’s office on Saturday, confirming the change in ministerial responsibilities.
Additional Responsibility Alongside Existing Portfolio
Pralhad Joshi will continue to serve as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs while also holding the additional charge of the Education Ministry until further orders.
A senior BJP leader from Karnataka, Joshi represents the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency and is currently serving his fifth consecutive term as a Member of Parliament.
Experienced Parliamentarian
Over the years, Joshi has held several key portfolios in the Union government, including the Ministries of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs. He is regarded as one of the BJP’s senior parliamentarians with extensive administrative and legislative experience.
Leadership Change Follows Pradhan’s Resignation
The reshuffle comes after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Union Education Minister following the acceptance of his resignation by the President.
The leadership transition follows the Centre’s decision to accept the key demands raised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during the third round of talks over the NEET paper leak issue.
Following the agreement, the student organisation announced the withdrawal of its nationwide agitation, bringing an end to weeks of protests demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
The appointment of Pralhad Joshi is expected to ensure continuity in the functioning of the Education Ministry while the government addresses ongoing concerns related to examination reforms and the integrity of the country’s competitive examination process.
