New Delhi, July 25: Amid massive students protests in Delhi, the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday announced his resignation, stating that the interests of India’s youth and students must remain above politics.
In a detailed public letter, Pradhan said he was stepping down not because of personal prestige, but to uphold accountability and protect the future of millions of students.
Pradhan expressed unwavering faith in the strength, aspirations and potential of India’s youth, describing them as the architects of a new, developed and self-reliant India. He said that while the developments of the past few days had caused him deep pain, his decision was guided by the larger national interest rather than personal considerations.
Emphasising that the country’s youth are its greatest strength, Pradhan said he was determined to ensure that they do not become victims of political conflict. He appealed that anti-national forces should not be allowed to exploit the prevailing situation and stressed that students’ futures must not be sacrificed for political gains.
The former minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance, trust and continuous support during his tenure. He also expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials, employees and everyone who worked alongside him, reiterating that service to the nation would remain his highest priority.
Pradhan's resignations comes amid Cockroach Janta Party-led protests at the Jantar Mantar, demanding his accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE's on-screen marking process, besides seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations.
(KNC)
