India’s Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks.
The President’s Office confirmed Joshi’s appointment after accepting Pradhan’s resignation, according to an official statement issued this evening.
Joshi currently serves as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs.
In his resignation letter, submitted on the 35th day of protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Pradhan said he was stepping down to prevent “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation.
“For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” Pradhan stated.
Hours after his resignation, representatives of the CJP announced they were ending their protest after the Indian Government assured them that their key demands would be addressed. The announcement was made during a joint press conference attended by CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Pradhan’s resignation had been one of the main demands of the protest movement led by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who recently returned to India to campaign against examination paper leaks.
A day before the resignation, Joshi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting students’ interests and strengthening the country’s education system, while accusing anti-social elements of attempting to exploit the protests.
“The Modi government has always stood with students and the youth. It remains committed to taking strict action against any irregularities or injustices that affect their future,” Joshi said.
He also stressed that students have the right to protest peacefully but urged them to remain vigilant against attempts by outside groups to misuse the movement.
