In a major development in the Union Cabinet on Saturday night after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as the Union Education Minister, the post was conferred on Pralhad Joshi, a veteran BJP leader. On Saturday, in his first interaction with the media as the Education Minister, he said he had accepted the new responsibility with a ‘sense of duty and humility’ and pledged to continue the Centre’s education reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

During his interaction with the media, Joshi expressed gratitude to PM Modi for placing his trust in him and assured that he would discharge his responsibilities conscientiously.

Joshi told reporters in New Delhi shortly after assuming the additional portfolio, “I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister.”

Joshi pledges to build on educational reforms

Elaborating on the government’s achievements in the education sector, Joshi said the PM Modi-led government had undertaken several landmark reforms over the past 12 years. He then acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, Dharmendra Pradhan, particularly for leading the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introducing key initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s education landscape.

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

He asserted, “In the last 12 years of PM Modi’s government, many historic achievements have been gained. In the last four to five years, Minister Pradhan also implemented the NEP 2020, and several important initiatives were undertaken.”

He added that the reforms introduced under the NEP had tremendously strengthened India’s education system and would continue to shape the ministry’s priorities in the coming years.

He said, “The country has marked significant progress in the new education system,” indicating that the momentum behind the Union Government’s education agenda would be maintained.

Joshi assures dedicated service

Reiterating his commitment to the new assignment, Minister Joshi said he would work under the guidance of PM Modi and strive to fulfill his expanded responsibilities to the best of his calibre.

Leadership change comes at a crucial juncture

Minister Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, as well as New and Renewable Energy, will also monitor the education ministry.

The leadership transition has surfaced at a crucial time for the Ministry, with the Union Government signalling that the NEP 2020’s implementation and other ongoing education reforms will continue seamlessly under Minister Joshi’s stewardship.