Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Education Minister; Pralhad Joshi takes charge
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Following massive student protests over the NEET paper leak, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the ministry. The Central Joint Platform (CJP) withdrew its protest after the government agreed to its demands.
Background
The NEET UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5, 2024, but allegations of a paper leak and irregularities led to widespread protests across India. Students demanded a CBI investigation and cancellation of the exam. The controversy escalated, leading to political fallout.
Key facts
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister amid NEET paper leak protests.
Pralhad Joshi, currently Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Coal, has been given additional charge of the Education Ministry.
The Central Joint Platform (CJP), a student body, withdrew its protest after the government agreed to its demands.
The NEET UG 2024 exam faced allegations of a paper leak, leading to demands for a CBI probe and re-examination.
The government has not yet announced a decision on re-conducting the exam.
Prelims pointers
- NEET: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical admissions.
- Dharmendra Pradhan: Former Union Education Minister, BJP leader.
- Pralhad Joshi: Current Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Coal.
- CJP: Central Joint Platform, a student protest group.
- CBI: Central Bureau of Investigation.
Mains angles
- Discuss the impact of exam paper leaks on the credibility of national-level entrance exams and the need for robust security measures.
- Analyze the role of student protests in shaping government policy and ministerial accountability.
- Examine the administrative implications of giving additional charge of a key ministry to an existing minister.