Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid CJP protest

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New-Delhi: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid massive protests by CJP at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

In a detailed letter addressed to the country’s youth, Dharmendra Pradhan said the decision was taken keeping in mind the larger interests of students, national unity and the need to ensure that young people are able to focus on their studies and careers rather than becoming entangled in prolonged protests and legal complications.

“This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” Pradhan said, describing India’s youth as the country’s “real strength”.

Took Responsibility From Day One. Referring to the irregularities detected in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, Pradhan said the Centre acted immediately by handing over the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the examination and announcing a re-examination. He said the government’s foremost priority throughout the crisis was to safeguard the interests of more than 20 lakh candidates. With the cooperation of the Centre, state governments, district administrations, students and parents, the re-examination was successfully conducted on June 21.

Pradhan also referred to the decision to conduct NEET-UG in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year as part of efforts to strengthen the examination system. “From the very first day, I took responsibility for this matter and never turned my face away from the situation,” he said, adding that his objective was to ensure that the “exam mafia” could not destroy the prospects of meritorious students or cause injustice to any candidate.

He said the NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory and noted that several meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds had succeeded. ‘Events of Past 10 Days Have Saddened Me

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Pradhan said developments over the past 10 days had caused him deep anguish. He alleged that some people occupying responsible positions had attempted to mislead students and create obstacles during the crisis.

Reaffirming his faith in democracy, he said the aspirations and expectations of young Indians must be respected, as they are not merely the country’s future but the “carriers, builders and architects” of a developed India.

Jantar Mantar Situation Cited Explaining his decision to step down, Pradhan specifically referred to the situation at Jantar Mantar and the protests that have spread across the country. He said he had submitted his resignation so that the prevailing situation was not exploited by “anti-national forces”, the unity of the country remained intact, and not even one student:s future became caught in legal complications.

He added that students should be able to devote their time to education and building their careers rather than being drawn into a “web of confusion”.

Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance, trust and continued support, while also expressing gratitude to his colleagues in the Union Council of Ministers and officials and staff of the Education Ministry. “Service to the nation is the highest priority of my life. I shall always remain dedicated to it,” he said. Concluding the letter with an invocation to Lord Jagannath, the Odisha leader said he would continue to dedicate himself to fulfilling the aspirations of Bharat Mata, the people of Odisha and the youth of the country.

The CJP took to X and reacted to the development, saying the Education Minister has submitted his resignation. ‘Long live Student Power’, it said.

Also Read: “We Owe Students Answers, Reforms, Accountability”: Dharmendra Pradhan Slams Congress…

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