New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday formally assumed charge as the Union Education Minister, a day after being assigned the portfolio following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The development comes even as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that Joshi's appointment is only temporary and alleged that the Centre is looking for a permanent replacement.
Taking charge of the ministry, Joshi said he accepted the responsibility "with humility" and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the portfolio. He said he would work to strengthen the education sector and continue the government's education reforms.
Joshi, who continues to hold the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, was given additional charge of the Education Ministry after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut questioned the permanence of Joshi's appointment, claiming it was an interim arrangement. Raut alleged that the BJP leadership was searching for a permanent Education Minister and suggested that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis could eventually be considered for the role. However, he did not provide evidence to support the claim, and there has been no official confirmation from the Centre regarding any such move.
Pradhan resigned on Saturday amid weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities. His resignation was accepted with immediate effect, following which Joshi was assigned the Education Ministry in addition to his existing responsibilities.
The Ministry of Education is expected to continue implementing examination reforms and measures aimed at restoring confidence in the country's entrance examination system under Joshi's leadership
