Prahlad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister

New Delhi: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, according to an official communiqué issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.

The communiqué stated that President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted Pradhan's resignation with immediate effect.

The President also directed that Prahlad Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, be entrusted with the Education Ministry in addition to his existing responsibilities.

Pradhan stepped down earlier in the day amid nationwide student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demanded his resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.

Announcing his decision, Pradhan said the issue was "not a matter of individual prestige" and added that he was deeply disturbed by the developments witnessed over the past ten days.

The appointment of Prahlad Joshi ensures continuity in the functioning of the Education Ministry as the Centre continues to address concerns surrounding examination reforms and the ongoing dialogue with student representatives.