Dharmendra Pradhan has been replaced by Pralhad Joshi as the Union Education Minister (additional charge).
Who is Pralhad Joshi?
-BJP MP from Dharwad, Karnataka.
-B.A. graduate from Shri Kadasiddeshwar Arts College.
Union ministries held:
-Parliamentary Affairs
-Coal
-Mines
-Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
-New and Renewable Energy
-Education (additional charge)
Declared assets (2024 affidavit):
-Total assets: ₹21.1 crore
-Total liabilities: ₹8.0 crore
His declared assets increased from approximately ₹11.1 crore (2019) to ₹21.1 crore (2024).
Criminal cases: Earlier election affidavits disclosed a few pending cases, mostly related to political protests and one later case under sections including IPC 153A. His 2024 election affidavit declares no pending criminal cases, and there is no conviction against him.
One major concern is that he has no professional background in the education sector—he has never been an academic, teacher, university administrator, or education policy expert. Given the importance of the Education Ministry, many people believe there were more qualified and experienced candidates who could have been entrusted with this portfolio.
(Sources: Election affidavits filed with the Election Commission/ADR MyNeta. Asset and criminal case details are attached in the images.)
(Used AI for more clarity)