- PralhadJoshi appointed new Union Education Minister.
- Takes charge after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
- Dharwad MP, a senior BJP leader, holds BA degree.
Union Education Minister Education Journey: Following Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi has been entrusted with the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. Joshi, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Dharwad, holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Karnatak University and has long been active in BJP politics.
Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi has been appointed to the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amidst the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday, July 25, amid nationwide student protests over the paper leak and alleged irregularities in the examination, after which Joshi was assigned the responsibility of the Education Ministry.
What Are Pralhad Joshi's Educational Qualifications?
Born on November 27, 1962, in Vijayapura, Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from KS Arts College, affiliated with Karnatak University. Before entering politics, he worked in the business and social sectors, gradually building a strong grassroots presence in Karnataka's political landscape.
What Is His Political Journey So Far?
Pralhad Joshi has been representing the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka since 2004. He contested his first Lok Sabha election that year and won by defeating Congress candidate BS Patil. He also served as the State President of the Karnataka BJP from 2014 to 2016, and was re-elected to the Lok Sabha for a third term in 2014, the year the NDA formed the government at the Centre.
What Is His Association With The RSS?
During his early political career, Prahlad Joshi was also associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He rose to prominence after leading the movement to hoist the Tricolour at the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi between 1992 and 1994, and also led the 'Kashmir Bachao Andolan' (Save Kashmir Movement). He took the oath as a Cabinet Minister in PM Narendra Modi's second government on May 30, 2019, holding the Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines portfolios.
What Portfolios Does He Currently Hold?
Joshi is currently Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, as well as Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, and now takes on additional charge of the Education Ministry.
Just a day before this appointment, Joshi had said the government remained committed to protecting students' interests and accused "anti-social elements" of attempting to exploit the CJP-led protest, adding that the Centre has consistently worked to strengthen the education system and secure the future of young people.