New Delhi, July 25 (HS): President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

According to a communiqué issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, accepted Pradhan's resignation and directed that Pralhad Joshi, in addition to his existing responsibilities, will oversee the Ministry of Education until further arrangements are made.

Joshi currently holds the portfolios of Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation earlier in the day amid the ongoing controversy over alleged examination paper leaks. In his resignation letter, he said he had decided to step down to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation.

For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation, Pradhan said in his letter.

Following the announcement of his resignation, representatives of the Citizens for Justice Platform (CJP), which had been spearheading protests over the alleged paper leaks, said they were calling off their agitation after the Centre assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

The Ministry of Education is expected to continue functioning under Pralhad Joshi's additional charge until a full-time minister is appointed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar