Shri Dharmendra Pradhan officially assumed his role as the Union Minister of Education today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. He was welcomed by key officials, including Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, and Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, along with other senior ministry officials.
In his remarks after taking office, Shri Pradhan expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his enduring trust and confidence. He emphasised the pivotal role of the Prime Minister’s leadership in steering India towards becoming a leading knowledge economy of the 21st century. Shri Pradhan highlighted the importance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, expressing his commitment to its innovative implementation. He envisions a future-ready learning landscape that empowers individuals and propels India into a global educational powerhouse.
The newly appointed Ministers of State joined Shri Pradhan for the Ministry of Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. He congratulated them on their new roles and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with them to realise the Prime Minister’s vision. Together, they aim to transform India into a hub of education, skills, innovation, and research.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who represents the Sambalpur constituency in Odisha, has an extensive political career. He served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum & Natural Gas in 2014, then as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel. Since July 2021, he has held the dual roles of Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
During his tenure, Shri Pradhan has been instrumental in advancing the NEP 2020, launching several progressive initiatives that have significantly enriched India’s educational ecosystem. His leadership continues to drive transformative changes, positioning India at the forefront of global education and innovation.
