NEW DELHI — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers, taking moral responsibility following weeks of nationwide student protests and political controversy surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak
Pradhan announced his decision via a detailed statement, emphasizing that he stepped down to ensure that student welfare remains the priority and to prevent ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and across the country from being exploited by “anti-national forces”
Key Highlights of the Resignation
- Moral Responsibility: Pradhan stated he took full accountability from day one regarding the examination irregularities.
- Protecting Students: He noted that stepping down was aimed at keeping India’s youth out of “a web of confusion” and ongoing legal entanglements.
- Transition to CBT Mode: The Central Government previously handed over the paper leak investigation to the CBI and announced that future NEET-UG exams will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
“For more than four decades, I have been associated with students, teachers, and the cause of education reform. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. Keeping these considerations in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
Background & Next Steps
The decision follows weeks of sustained agitation led by student organizations and opposition parties demanding accountability over the May examination irregularities. In response to the broader controversy, the Union Government is introducing The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, establishing fast-track courts and dedicated task forces to eliminate malpractice in competitive testing.