New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday resigned from the Union Cabinet amid mounting pressure over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.
Pradhan announced his decision through a post on X, stating that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The resignation comes against the backdrop of sustained student protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and demonstrations across several parts of the country, where protesters have been demanding accountability and calling for the Education Minister’s resignation over the controversy.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan said he had devoted more than four decades to the cause of education and the welfare of students and teachers.
“I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realising the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social life,” he said.
Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve as Union Education Minister and said his government had prioritised the smooth conduct of examinations for more than 20 lakh students through coordinated efforts involving the Centre, state governments and district administrations.
He said he had taken responsibility for the situation from the very beginning and was committed to ensuring that deserving students were not affected by the activities of the alleged “exam mafia.”
Referring to the developments surrounding the re-examination process, Pradhan alleged that certain individuals in responsible positions attempted to mislead students and create obstacles, describing the developments as deeply distressing.
Explaining the reasons behind his resignation, he said the decision was taken in the larger national interest.
“Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserve national unity, ensure that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allow students to focus on their studies and careers—I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister,” he stated.
Pradhan also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers and the people for their trust and support, adding that he would continue serving the nation and working for the welfare of Odisha and the country’s youth.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik welcomed the development and congratulated students for their sustained campaign.
In a post on X, Patnaik said, “Congratulations to the young people of India, especially Gen Z, for this victory. Accountability and sensitivity to public opinion are integral values of a strong democracy. Nobody is above the will of the people. The voices of our youth deserve to be heard.”
Pradhan’s resignation marks a significant political development amid the ongoing controversy over the NEET examination, which has triggered nationwide protests and renewed demands for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s examination system.
