New Delhi, July 25: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the Union Education Minister on Saturday, taking moral responsibility amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Shortly after submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan updated his profile on X (formerly Twitter), removing the title "Union Minister" from his bio.

In his resignation letter, Pradhan stated that his decision was aimed at safeguarding the credibility of India's education system and preventing the issue from being misused by forces seeking to undermine public confidence. He also assured full cooperation with any investigation into the examination-related allegations.

The resignation comes after weeks of protests by students and opposition parties over claims of paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Demonstrators had demanded greater transparency, stricter accountability, and reforms in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations. The issue had sparked nationwide debate over the integrity of competitive exams and the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Dharmendra Pradhan has been a key member of the Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet since 2014, holding several important portfolios during his tenure. He first served as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas before being elevated to Cabinet rank. He also headed the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, where he oversaw initiatives aimed at improving vocational education and workforce development.

In 2021, Pradhan assumed charge as the Union Education Minister, leading the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, reforms in higher education, expansion of digital learning, and efforts to modernize India's education system. He continued in the Education Ministry during the third Modi government until his resignation.

A prominent BJP leader from Odisha and Member of Parliament from Sambalpur, Pradhan has played a significant role in both national politics and the party's organizational activities. His departure from the Cabinet is expected to pave the way for the appointment of a new Union Education Minister, while also fueling speculation about a broader Cabinet reshuffle.

The Centre is expected to announce the next course of action regarding the Education Ministry in the coming days as the government seeks to restore confidence in the country's examination system and address concerns raised by students and stakeholders.

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