His journey testament to student welfare: Govt's 1st reaction after Pradhan's exit
The Centre issued its first response after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praising his decades-long commitment to student welfare and education reforms, calling his leadership "a testament to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare."
The Centre on Saturday issued its first public reaction after Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation as Union Education Minister, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praising his contribution to India's education sector and describing his public life as a "testament to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare".
In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, "True leadership is measured over decades & Dharmendra Pradhan ji's journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life & student welfare."
Referring to his experience of serving alongside Pradhan in the Union Cabinet, Rijiju said he had witnessed the former Education Minister's dedication firsthand.
"Having worked alongside him in the Union Cabinet, I have seen his sincere dedication to strengthening India's education ecosystem & keeping our millions of young students at the centre of every decision. Leading such a critical sector demands immense perseverance & he embraced it with courage & clear vision," Rijiju said.
He also thanked Pradhan for his work as Education Minister and wished him well for the future.
"Dharmendra ji, thank you for your relentless service, your commitment to reforms & your contribution to building a stronger India. I wish you the very best as you continue to serve the nation with the same conviction & sincerity!" he added.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday following Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protests across the country demanding his ouster over the NEET paper leak issue.
Pradhan said it was not a matter of "individual prestige" for him and that he was disturbed by the series of events that had unfolded over the last 10 days.
"I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one," he said, adding that he had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pradhan said the decision was driven by the need to protect the future of students and prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the massive youth protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He said anti-national forces should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country.
The resignation marks a rare instance of a senior minister in the Narendra Modi government stepping down amid sustained street protests and political pressure.
Pradhan, whose resignation was the core demand of the protesters, announced his decision on X just hours before the third round of talks between the Cockroach Janta Party and the Centre. Ahead of the meeting, CJP leaders had declared that Pradhan's resignation was "non-negotiable".
A couple of hours later, Pradhan shared a lengthy post on X announcing his resignation, triggering celebrations at Jantar Mantar, where activist Sonam Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite fast and where the protesters have been camping.
His resignation sparked scenes of celebration at Jantar Mantar, where students and members of the CJP have been holding a sit-in since June 20, demanding 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.
The Cockroach Janta Party hailed the resignation as the first victory of its 36-day agitation. However, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the agitation would continue until the government fulfilled its two remaining demands -- Rs 1 crore compensation to students who died by suicide over the NEET paper leak and no action against protesters.
Opposition parties, which had backed the agitation, called Pradhan's resignation a victory for students, youth and democracy.
The protests had intensified since the CJP-led march to Parliament on July 20, which turned violent, with both the police and protesters blaming each other for the clashes.
Pradhan also expressed deep distress over individuals in "responsible positions misleading" students and creating obstacles for political gain. Reflecting on more than four decades of service to educational reform, he reaffirmed his commitment to the youth and the nation's future.
Sources told India Today that Pradhan resigned after taking moral responsibility on his own and was not removed from office. The development suggests that the government intended to give him a dignified exit.
The Odisha-born BJP leader first assumed charge as Union Education Minister in 2021 and was reappointed after the BJP won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Centre on Saturday issued its first public reaction after Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation as Union Education Minister, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praising his contribution to India's education sector and describing his public life as a "testament to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare".
In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, "True leadership is measured over decades & Dharmendra Pradhan ji's journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life & student welfare."
Referring to his experience of serving alongside Pradhan in the Union Cabinet, Rijiju said he had witnessed the former Education Minister's dedication firsthand.
"Having worked alongside him in the Union Cabinet, I have seen his sincere dedication to strengthening India's education ecosystem & keeping our millions of young students at the centre of every decision. Leading such a critical sector demands immense perseverance & he embraced it with courage & clear vision," Rijiju said.
He also thanked Pradhan for his work as Education Minister and wished him well for the future.
"Dharmendra ji, thank you for your relentless service, your commitment to reforms & your contribution to building a stronger India. I wish you the very best as you continue to serve the nation with the same conviction & sincerity!" he added.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday following Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protests across the country demanding his ouster over the NEET paper leak issue.
Pradhan said it was not a matter of "individual prestige" for him and that he was disturbed by the series of events that had unfolded over the last 10 days.
"I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one," he said, adding that he had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pradhan said the decision was driven by the need to protect the future of students and prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the massive youth protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He said anti-national forces should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country.
The resignation marks a rare instance of a senior minister in the Narendra Modi government stepping down amid sustained street protests and political pressure.
Pradhan, whose resignation was the core demand of the protesters, announced his decision on X just hours before the third round of talks between the Cockroach Janta Party and the Centre. Ahead of the meeting, CJP leaders had declared that Pradhan's resignation was "non-negotiable".
A couple of hours later, Pradhan shared a lengthy post on X announcing his resignation, triggering celebrations at Jantar Mantar, where activist Sonam Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite fast and where the protesters have been camping.
His resignation sparked scenes of celebration at Jantar Mantar, where students and members of the CJP have been holding a sit-in since June 20, demanding 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.
The Cockroach Janta Party hailed the resignation as the first victory of its 36-day agitation. However, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the agitation would continue until the government fulfilled its two remaining demands -- Rs 1 crore compensation to students who died by suicide over the NEET paper leak and no action against protesters.
Opposition parties, which had backed the agitation, called Pradhan's resignation a victory for students, youth and democracy.
The protests had intensified since the CJP-led march to Parliament on July 20, which turned violent, with both the police and protesters blaming each other for the clashes.
Pradhan also expressed deep distress over individuals in "responsible positions misleading" students and creating obstacles for political gain. Reflecting on more than four decades of service to educational reform, he reaffirmed his commitment to the youth and the nation's future.
Sources told India Today that Pradhan resigned after taking moral responsibility on his own and was not removed from office. The development suggests that the government intended to give him a dignified exit.
The Odisha-born BJP leader first assumed charge as Union Education Minister in 2021 and was reappointed after the BJP won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Centre on Saturday issued its first public reaction after Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation as Union Education Minister, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praising his contribution to India's education sector and describing his public life as a "testament to lifelong engagement with public life and student welfare".
In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, "True leadership is measured over decades & Dharmendra Pradhan ji's journey stands as a testament to lifelong engagement with public life & student welfare."
Referring to his experience of serving alongside Pradhan in the Union Cabinet, Rijiju said he had witnessed the former Education Minister's dedication firsthand.
"Having worked alongside him in the Union Cabinet, I have seen his sincere dedication to strengthening India's education ecosystem & keeping our millions of young students at the centre of every decision. Leading such a critical sector demands immense perseverance & he embraced it with courage & clear vision," Rijiju said.
He also thanked Pradhan for his work as Education Minister and wished him well for the future.
"Dharmendra ji, thank you for your relentless service, your commitment to reforms & your contribution to building a stronger India. I wish you the very best as you continue to serve the nation with the same conviction & sincerity!" he added.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday following Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protests across the country demanding his ouster over the NEET paper leak issue.
Pradhan said it was not a matter of "individual prestige" for him and that he was disturbed by the series of events that had unfolded over the last 10 days.
"I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one," he said, adding that he had sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pradhan said the decision was driven by the need to protect the future of students and prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the massive youth protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He said anti-national forces should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country.
The resignation marks a rare instance of a senior minister in the Narendra Modi government stepping down amid sustained street protests and political pressure.
Pradhan, whose resignation was the core demand of the protesters, announced his decision on X just hours before the third round of talks between the Cockroach Janta Party and the Centre. Ahead of the meeting, CJP leaders had declared that Pradhan's resignation was "non-negotiable".
A couple of hours later, Pradhan shared a lengthy post on X announcing his resignation, triggering celebrations at Jantar Mantar, where activist Sonam Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite fast and where the protesters have been camping.
His resignation sparked scenes of celebration at Jantar Mantar, where students and members of the CJP have been holding a sit-in since June 20, demanding 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.
The Cockroach Janta Party hailed the resignation as the first victory of its 36-day agitation. However, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the agitation would continue until the government fulfilled its two remaining demands -- Rs 1 crore compensation to students who died by suicide over the NEET paper leak and no action against protesters.
Opposition parties, which had backed the agitation, called Pradhan's resignation a victory for students, youth and democracy.
The protests had intensified since the CJP-led march to Parliament on July 20, which turned violent, with both the police and protesters blaming each other for the clashes.
Pradhan also expressed deep distress over individuals in "responsible positions misleading" students and creating obstacles for political gain. Reflecting on more than four decades of service to educational reform, he reaffirmed his commitment to the youth and the nation's future.
Sources told India Today that Pradhan resigned after taking moral responsibility on his own and was not removed from office. The development suggests that the government intended to give him a dignified exit.
The Odisha-born BJP leader first assumed charge as Union Education Minister in 2021 and was reappointed after the BJP won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
