New Delhi: In a significant political development on Saturday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his post amid the student agitation that has been underway at Jantar Mantar for days. His resignation came after students had repeatedly called for him to quit. He eventually submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While announcing the move, Pradhan clarified that it was not made under any pressure, stating that he had taken this decision with the interests and future of the country’s students in mind.
What did Dharmendra Pradhan write on social media?
In a long post written on X, Dharmendra Pradhan mentioned the work he has done in the field of public life and education. He wrote that he has been associated with students, teachers, and education reforms for more than 40 years. He believes that the real strength of the country is a strong education system. He also thanked PM Modi and said that handling the responsibility of the education ministry will be an important experience in his public life.
What did he say on the NEET exam controversy?
Pradhan admitted that irregularities had come to light in the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, 2026. After this, the government took immediate action. The investigation of the case was handed over to the CBI, the examination was canceled, and the examination was conducted again. To bring further transparency, it has now been decided to examine in computer-based, i.e., CBT mode. He said that the biggest effort of the government was to ensure that the year of lakhs of students is not wasted.
Why did the controversy not stop even after the results?
Dharmendra Pradhan said that even after the re-examination and results, the controversy did not end completely. Many hardworking students achieved success even in difficult circumstances, but in the meantime some people tried to provoke the students and spoil the atmosphere. He said that he was personally deeply hurt by this entire incident.
What was the biggest reason behind the resignation?
He wrote that after seeing the events of the past days, he felt that this movement is no longer limited to education only. If it is not handled on time, some anti-national forces can take advantage of it. He said that he does not want the future of the students to get entangled in courts, politics, or a long movement. For this reason, he decided to resign.
What will Dharmendra Pradhan do next?
After his resignation, he made it clear that he is not going away from public life and service to the country. Thanking the PM, ministers, officers and employees of the Education Ministry, he said that in the future also he will continue to work hard for the country, Odisha and the youth. In his words – “The post may change, but my responsibility towards the country and students will never end.”
