Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down from his post following intense nationwide student demonstrations and agitations at Jantar Mantar over examination irregularities. Acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, the President of India accepted his resignation under Article 75, while Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education.
The protests were primarily triggered by widespread examination controversies which affected the academic futures of millions of students. Mass demonstrations and sit-ins were held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Environmentalist and education activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement, launching an indefinite hunger strike to demand institutional accountability and the Education Minister’s resignation.
The primary demand of the nationwide movement was the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over administrative lapses and accountability, culminating in his exit and the transfer of portfolio charge to Pralhad Joshi.
