Pralhad Joshi named the interim Union Education Minister after Pradhan’s exit, says 'Will work to best of my ability'

Pralhad Joshi on Saturday was named the interim Union Education Minister after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, an official order stated. 

"President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio," the order read.

Joshi, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is a Lok Sabha member from the Dharwad constituency in Karnataka, currently holds the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy portfolios.

Joshi said he was thankful to Prime Minister Narendra



Modi for naming the interim Education Minister, saying he accepts this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. He also said the Modi government has taken many historic decisions in the past 12 years.

"In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication," he said.

Earlier, he lauded Pradhan after he stepped down earlier in the day, saying the former Union Education Minister had an illustrious political career spanning decades. Joshi said Pradhan's commitment to India's development will always be remembered.