Pralhad Joshi Assumes Education Charge, Reviews Schemes And Ministry Priorities

Newly appointed Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi took charge of the ministry on Sunday, a day after he was assigned the additional portfolio following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid nationwide student protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. Joshi said his immediate focus would be on understanding the ministry’s functioning and ongoing work before taking major decisions. After assuming office, Joshi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assigning him the responsibility of leading the Education Ministry.

He said the role was given to him based on the trust and confidence placed in him by the prime minister. Joshi arrived in Delhi from Karnataka on Sunday morning and began his first day by holding meetings with senior officials of the ministry. He said his initial priority was to familiarise himself with the department’s structure, ongoing initiatives and important matters currently under consideration. Describing education as a new area of responsibility for him, Joshi said he would first focus on gaining a detailed understanding of the ministry before outlining future plans.

He highlighted that the Education Ministry is a large department with several important responsibilities and requires careful evaluation. “The department is quite big and thus I will prioritise understanding it first and then delivering,” Joshi told reporters after taking charge. Joshi’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Education Ministry, which has faced intense scrutiny over issues related to examination management, including allegations surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak. Student groups and opposition parties had been demanding accountability and action over concerns affecting candidates.

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The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan followed weeks of protests led by student organisations, including the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had made the education minister’s removal one of its key demands. The protests gained national attention as students raised concerns over examination transparency and the impact of paper leaks on their futures. With Joshi now heading the ministry, he faces the immediate challenge of addressing concerns around examination reforms and restoring confidence among students.

His first interactions with officials are expected to focus on understanding existing policies, pending decisions and measures being taken to strengthen the education system. Before taking charge of the Education Ministry, Joshi held several important portfolios in the Union government. A senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, he has previously served as the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines.

Officials said Joshi’s early days in the ministry would involve reviewing key projects, meeting department heads and assessing ongoing initiatives. The minister indicated that decisions would be taken after a detailed assessment of the ministry’s functioning. As the government looks to move forward following the recent controversy, Joshi’s leadership will be closely watched by students, educators and stakeholders across the country. His first priority, as stated after taking charge, will be gaining a complete understanding of the ministry before introducing any new measures.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan's 4 Years As Education Minister: NEP Push To NEET Controversies