NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his post on Saturday following widespread student demonstrations concerning leaked national examination papers.
Pradhan shared his decision on social media, shortly before government officials met for discussions with opposition representatives. The step comes after ongoing gatherings in the capital, where student groups had called for a change in leadership at the ministry.
The public reaction followed issues linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a key entry exam for medical studies. Demonstrations grew larger on 20 July during a rally near Parliament, leading to physical standoffs where more than 180 students and security personnel received injuries.
In an official public post, Pradhan stated that leaving his role was “not a matter of personal prestige.” He explained that his choice was aimed at protecting the interests of students and preventing external groups from influencing the young people’s movement.
The leadership change is an unusual event for a senior cabinet official in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government following public gatherings.
