Pralhad Joshi appointed new education minister after Pradhan resigns over NEET leak
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Union education minister after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu. Joshi's appointment comes at a crucial time as the education ministry implements reforms following the NEET controversy.
Background
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister amid massive student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak. The controversy triggered weeks of nationwide protests, leading to demands for his resignation.
Key facts
Pralhad Joshi appointed as new Union education minister on July 25, 2026.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG paper leak.
President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation.
Joshi is a BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Karnataka's Dharwad constituency.
He also holds portfolios of new and renewable energy and consumer affairs, food and public distribution.
Joshi is a five-time MP and has previously served as Union minister for coal, mines and parliamentary affairs.
As new and renewable energy minister, he led efforts to achieve 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070.
Key initiatives under Joshi include National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM scheme, and offshore wind energy projects.
Education ministry reforms include restructuring of NTA, stricter anti-paper leak measures, and shift to computer-based testing for NEET from 2027.
Prelims pointers
- Pralhad Joshi: Union education minister, also holds new and renewable energy and consumer affairs portfolios.
- Dharmendra Pradhan: resigned as education minister over NEET-UG paper leak.
- President Droupadi Murmu accepted resignation.
- NEET-UG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical courses.
- NTA: National Testing Agency, being restructured.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- PM-KUSUM scheme
- 500 GW renewable energy capacity target by 2030
- Net-zero emissions target by 2070
Mains angles
- Discuss the impact of the NEET-UG paper leak on the credibility of examination systems in India.
- Analyze the role of the Union education minister in implementing reforms in the education sector.
- Examine the significance of renewable energy targets and initiatives under the new minister's previous portfolio.