Pralhad Joshi Given Additional Charge of Education Ministry After Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

New Delhi, July 2026 : Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, according to an official communication issued by the President’s Office on Saturday.

President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted Pradhan’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect. The move comes amid nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks and growing demands for accountability in the education system.

Pradhan’s departure marks a significant reshuffle in the Union Cabinet. He headed the Education Ministry during a challenging period marked by student protests and concerns over the integrity of several competitive examinations. His resignation is being viewed as a major political development as the government seeks to address public concerns regarding examination reforms and transparency.

Following the resignation, Pralhad Joshi, a senior member of the Union Cabinet who currently oversees the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has been assigned the additional responsibility of the Education Ministry. The interim arrangement is aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the ministry until a permanent appointment is made.

Officials said the immediate transfer of responsibilities would ensure continuity in policy implementation and administrative functioning without disrupting the ministry’s ongoing work. The President’s notification clarified that the new arrangement takes effect immediately.

The constitutional process follows the provisions of Article 75(2) of the Constitution, under which Union Ministers hold office at the pleasure of the President and may resign from the Council of Ministers. By accepting Pradhan’s resignation and simultaneously assigning the additional charge to Joshi, the President formalised both the ministerial exit and the interim administrative arrangement.

Meanwhile, during a joint press conference held on Saturday, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda appealed to students to withdraw their protests, stating that the government had accepted their demands and was committed to addressing concerns related to examination reforms.

The Centre is expected to announce its long-term plans for the Education Ministry in the coming days, including any permanent changes to the ministerial portfolio.

Team Maverick.