Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, says ‘does not want to allow anti-national forces to take advantage’

New Delhi. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday. He said that in the current circumstances, anti-national forces should not be allowed to take advantage and the future of any student should not be entangled in legal disputes. His resignation comes amid weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in the national entrance examinations.

Dharmendra Pradhan wrote on social media platform With this in mind, he informed about sending his resignation to the Prime Minister.

However, merely resigning does not make him effective. According to the constitutional procedure, the resignation of a Union Minister is considered effective only when the Prime Minister accepts it. At present, there has been no official announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Central Government accepting or rejecting the resignation.

In such a situation, now everyone’s eyes are on the Prime Minister’s decision. Only after the formal approval of the government, it will be clear whether Dharmendra will continue on the post of Prime Minister of Education or his resignation will be accepted.

Protests intensified regarding entrance examinations

In recent weeks, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and several student organizations have held frequent protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the national level entrance examinations. The protesters demanded accountability of the Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA) and comprehensive reforms in the examination system.

Sonam Wangchuk’s fast gave momentum to the movement

Sonam Wangchuk, educationist and social activist from Ladakh, went on a 20-day fast demanding education reforms. On 18 July, Delhi Police took him to the hospital, where he continued his fast. After this the movement received widespread support across the country and students and organizations demonstrated in various states.

Questions were also raised on police action and internet shutdown

During the demonstration, there were allegations of Delhi Police using tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the protesters. Internet services were also temporarily shut down in many parts of the capital, affecting communication and coordination among protesters. After these incidents, the movement intensified and the demand for accountability from the central government increased.

government’s side

The Central Government and the Education Ministry have already clarified that wherever examination-related irregularities have come to light, action is being taken through investigating agencies. The ministry says that several corrective steps have been taken to strengthen the transparency and security of the examination system.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s political journey

Dharmendra Pradhan, 56, was the Union Education Minister since July 2021. Before this, he had handled the responsibility of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Ministry of Skill Development. Pradhan, a BJP leader from Odisha and former ABVP worker, was again given the responsibility of the Education Ministry after the formation of the Modi government in June 2024.