Pralhad Joshi, the newly appointed Union Education Minister, has assumed office. Officials shared this information on Sunday, July 26. Joshi was appointed Education Minister after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the post on Saturday. In addition to his role as Minister of Consumer Affairs, Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education.
Pradhan had resigned on Saturday following nationwide student protests—led by the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’—over the NEET paper leak controversy. In his resignation, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that this was not a matter of ‘personal prestige’ for him and expressed distress over the events of the past 10 days.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday night, Pralhad Joshi said he accepted the responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. He stated, “I have just learned that the Prime Minister has entrusted me with a responsibility. I accept this responsibility with duty and humility.”
Joshi remarked, “Many historic achievements have been realized during the 12 years of Prime Minister Modi’s government. Over the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan implemented the National Education Policy and undertook several significant initiatives.” He added, “Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, I will strive to work to the best of my ability and fulfill my responsibilities with utmost dedication.”
Upon Pralhad Joshi receiving the additional charge of the Education Ministry, Saurav Das, Chief Spokesperson of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party,’ warned that whoever becomes the Education Minister must understand that the youth are watching closely. Das said, “Our concerns and demands have been acknowledged. These demands are linked to the youth across the country, which is why this movement garnered nationwide support.”
He added, “Whoever becomes the Education Minister must realize that the youth are watching. They will demand accountability. Therefore, when the time comes, action must be taken in the interest of the youth.” Saurav reiterated the youth’s demands to stop paper leaks and for the government to implement the five points outlined in their charter of demands. He further stated that he would meet the new Education Minister ‘very soon’. He added, “The government has promised to hold a meeting within a month, and then we will see what happens.”
