Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak issue. Student groups had demanded his resignation, making it a key condition during discussions with the Centre.
In a post on X, Pradhan said his decision was not about personal pride. He stated that protecting students’ future was his top priority. He also said he wanted to prevent the ongoing protests from being used by forces working against the country’s interests.
Pradhan said he accepted moral responsibility for the controversy. He added that he had always supported a fair investigation and strict action against the exam paper leak network.
Following the July 20 march to Parliament, which resulted in altercations that injured over 180 demonstrators and police officers, the protests gathered impetus.
Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was in the larger national interest. Government sources said he stepped down voluntarily and was not removed from his post.
Pradhan had served as Education Minister since 2021 and continued in the role after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.