Pralhad Joshi named India’s new education minister
India’s Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional responsibility of the Education Ministry.
The development comes after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. His resignation was accepted by the Indian president, according to an official notification.
The notification also confirmed Joshi’s appointment to the additional portfolio. He will continue to handle his existing responsibilities while overseeing the Education Ministry.
Speaking to journalists after the appointment, Joshi said he accepted the new responsibility with humility and a strong sense of duty.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing his trust in him. Joshi also praised the Modi government’s performance during its 12 years in power.
He said the government had achieved several important milestones during this period. He added that the education sector had also witnessed major developments.
Joshi acknowledged the work carried out by Pradhan during his tenure as education minister.
He said Pradhan had played an important role in implementing India’s National Education Policy. According to Joshi, several significant initiatives were introduced during the previous four to five years.
He also said India had made considerable progress in moving towards a new education system.
Joshi pledged to carry out his new duties with dedication. He said he would use his abilities to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to him.
The change at the Education Ministry follows weeks of student protests across India.
The demonstrations were linked to allegations of examination paper leaks and irregularities. Students had demanded action from the authorities and greater accountability within the education system.
Pradhan submitted his resignation on the 35th day of the protests. The 57-year-old minister stepped down as pressure continued to grow over the controversy.
The protests were largely driven by young people. Their campaign gained significant attention through social media and public demonstrations.
Pradhan’s resignation was subsequently welcomed by the protesters, who had made his removal one of their major demands.
The leadership change now places Joshi at the centre of efforts to address the concerns surrounding India’s education and examination system.
His immediate responsibilities are expected to include overseeing the ministry’s ongoing programmes and ensuring continuity in the implementation of education policies.
The new minister will also face pressure to respond to concerns raised by students over examination procedures, transparency and accountability.
