Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday acknowledged Dharmendra Pradhan’s contribution to education reforms after the latter resigned as Union Education Minister, saying Pradhan’s efforts towards “restoring the civilisational spirit of Bharat” and implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) were among his “finest contributions to nation-building.”
Pradhan resigned from the Union Council of Ministers amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The examination was marred by allegations of irregularities in May, following which a re-test was conducted on June 21.
In a post on X, Sarma said Pradhan had worked tirelessly to “restore the civilisational spirit of Bharat and to decolonise our education system.”
“It is difficult to put into words the gratitude I feel for Shri @dpradhanbjp ji. As Union Education Minister, he worked tirelessly to restore the civilisational spirit of Bharat and to decolonise our education system. His unwavering commitment to implementing the National Education Policy, despite the political challenges it entailed, will be remembered as one of his finest contributions to nation-building. On a personal note, I have always been touched by his genuine affection for Assam. Whenever Assam needed his support, he stood with us. His encouragement, guidance and goodwill have always meant a great deal to me,” Sarma wrote on X.
Recalling his personal association, the Assam Chief Minister said the Pradhan had always shown “genuine affection for Assam” and extended support to the state whenever required.
Sarma further highlighted Pradhan’s role in strengthening higher education infrastructure in the state, referring to the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Guwahati.
“Just last week, we had the privilege of inaugurating the Indian Institute of Management, Guwahati. That proud moment was possible because of his vision and his deep commitment to taking quality higher education to every part of the country,” he said.
“The people of Assam will always remain grateful for that. As he demits office, I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his dedication, his humility and his selfless service to Bharat Mata. I wish him good health, happiness and strength in the years ahead. I am certain that wherever he serves, he will continue to work with the same sincerity and commitment for our nation. Thank you, Pradhan ji. Assam will always remember your affection and your contribution,” he added.
Meanwhile, BJP president Nitin Nabin also referred to Pradhan’s role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and described his resignation as an act reflecting integrity and selfless service.
In a post on X, Nabin wrote, “As Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji played a pivotal role in reforming India’s education landscape and successfully implementing the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives. Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step down reflects the highest standards of integrity and selfless service in public life. The party stands firmly with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji in this decision. I extend my best wishes for his future endeavors.”
Submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan stated that he was stepping down in the larger interest of students to ensure that the country’s youth do not become “trapped in a web of confusion.”
He highlighted his long-standing association with education and reaffirmed his commitment to the aspirations of India’s youth.
“For more than four decades, I have been associated with students, teachers, and the cause of education reform. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking education system is the foundation of a strong nation,” Pradhan said.
Recalling the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan stated that the Centre acted promptly after irregularities surfaced in the May 3 examination.
“However, irregularities were found in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognisance of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, and announced a date for the re-examination. Along with this, it was decided that from next year onwards, the examination would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode,” he said.
The Sambalpur MP emphasised that the government’s priority was to ensure that the interests of over two million students were protected during the re-examination process.
“During this period, our primary concern was to ensure that the examination for more than two million students was conducted smoothly… From the very first day, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. My resolve was that we would not allow the prospects of any meritorious student to be harmed because of the examination controversy,” Pradhan said.
Pradhan’s resignation came after a month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar led by Cockroach Janata Party and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who sat for a 26-day-long hunger strike as the NEET-UG exam was leaked in May. The re-examination was held on June 21.
The momentum peaked on July 20 with CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, which was met with police action.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, in his first reaction, said, “We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned.”
“Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. And this resignation is proof that if you people are not afraid, if you people do not bow down to this government, then we can take the resignation of anyone,” he added.