NEW DELHI, July 26: After taking additional charge of the Ministry of Education on Sunday, Pralhad Joshi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “placed full trust” in him and hence given him the new responsibility, while adding that he is holding back-to-back meetings to review all details regarding the education portfolio.
Pralhad Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, took over the additional responsibility of the Education Ministry following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid nationwide protests over examination paper leaks.
Speaking to the reporters after assuming the charge, Joshi said, “The Honourable Prime Minister has placed full trust and given me this responsibility. I was in Karnataka yesterday, reached here at night, and came here this morning to take charge and handle the portfolio.”
Earlier, in a post on X, Joshi said:
“Today, I assumed charge as the Union Minister for Education. I am grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for placing his faith in me and entrusting me with this responsibility.”
“I accept it with humility and a deep sense of duty,” he added.
Joshi’s appointment comes at a time when the Education Ministry has been under intense public and political scrutiny due to widespread student protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations.
The President has simultaneously assigned Pralhad Joshi the additional charge of the Ministry of Education.
He will continue to oversee his existing ‘Food and Consumer Affairs’ portfolio while heading the Education Ministry.
Pradhan’s resignation marks a significant change in the Union Cabinet.
Opp to seek Amit Shah’s resignation
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Sunday said the Opposition would demand the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against students protesting in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Brittas said the Opposition would raise in Parliament the appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar as Secretary, Department of Higher Education, when the session resumes on Monday.
He said the Opposition would raise both issues forcefully in Parliament. (Agencies)
