New Delhi, July 25 (IANS). After the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry on Saturday.
This incident has happened amid protests over the exam question paper leak.
The President’s Office confirmed the appointment through an official release issued on Saturday.
On the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Draupadi Murmu has accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect.
This approval has been made under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the President has given additional responsibility of the Education Ministry to Union Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi, while he will also continue to hold his existing charge as Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs.
These protests, which gained momentum in many parts of the country, had brought the ministry under intense public and political scrutiny.
At a joint press conference held on Saturday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Cockroach Janata Party leader Saurabh Das urged students to end the protests and return home.
Senior Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi will now take charge of the Union Education Ministry in addition to the responsibilities of the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Officials said the dual charge arrangement is aimed at ensuring continuity in the functioning of the education ministry without any disruption.
It has been clarified in the President’s release that this change will come into effect with immediate effect, so that the new system can come into effect without any delay.
By accepting the resignation on the advice of the Prime Minister and also handing over additional charge, President Murmu has formalized Pradhan’s resignation and interim arrangements under the leadership of Pralhad Joshi.
Further details regarding any long-term restructuring of the Ministry of Education are expected to be announced in due course.
–IANS
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