New Delhi: The central government has finally had to bow to the country’s students. Amidst the nationwide movement led by the ‘Cockroach Party’, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. He has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is being viewed as a major victory for the ‘Cockroach Movement’. Dharmendra Pradhan stated, “I did not turn away from my responsibility and have tendered my resignation. I have been deeply distressed for the past 10 days.
Dharmendra Pradhan explains the reason for his resignation.
The Union Education Minister has resigned from his post, acceding to the demands of protesting students. Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation via social media. In his letter, he noted that for over four decades, he has been dedicated to students, teachers, and educational reform. He has always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of any nation’s development.
Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the government took immediate action as soon as complaints regarding irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, surfaced. The investigation was handed over to the CBI, a decision was made to cancel the exam and conduct a re-test, and it was announced that NEET would be conducted entirely in computer-based mode starting next year.
What else did Dharmendra Pradhan write?
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote that conducting the examination fairly and smoothly for over 20 lakh students was his top priority. To this end, the re-examination was successfully conducted on June 21, 2026, with the cooperation of the central government, state governments, district administrations, students, and parents.
In the results declared on July 16, many talented students from poor and underprivileged families achieved success; however, individuals holding responsible positions attempted to mislead the students, causing him deep distress.
This is my personal decision: Dharmendra Pradhan
The Union Minister stated that the events of the past ten days have deeply distressed him. He clarified that this is not a matter of personal honour, but rather a question concerning the future of the nation’s youth. He expressed his desire that the students’ future not get entangled in legal disputes or political conflicts, nor should their attention be diverted from their studies.
It was with this sentiment that he decided to step down from his post. Towards the end of the letter, Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his gratitude for the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as for the support of his colleagues in the Council of Ministers and the officials and staff of the Ministry of Education. He affirmed that, in his future public life, he would continue to work with utmost dedication to fulfil the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country.
