Dharmendra Pradhan resignation letter
My young friends,
For more than four decades, I have remained dedicated to students, teachers and education reforms. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive and forward-looking education system is the foundation of a strong nation.
I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions and rightful expectations of the youth of the country. Fulfilling the dreams of India’s young generation remains the moral responsibility of our political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.
However, irregularities came to light in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognisance of the issue, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and announced a date for the re-examination. Along with this, it was also decided that from next year, this examination would be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode.
During this period, our foremost priority was to ensure that the examination of more than 20 lakh students was conducted smoothly. For this, a whole-of-government approach was adopted. The state governments, especially district administrations, played an important role along with the Government of India. With the cooperation of students, parents and families, the examination was successfully completed on June 21, 2026.
From the very first day, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. My resolve was that the future of any deserving student should not be harmed because of examination fraud, and no student should face injustice.
The NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory, with many talented students from economically weaker backgrounds also achieving success.
However, during this period, some people holding responsible positions attempted to mislead students, which deeply hurt me.
I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth. They are not only the future of India but also the builders of a new and developed India and the architects of its future.
The events of the past 10 days have saddened me. This is not about my personal reputation.
India’s youth power is the true strength of this country.
My resolve is that the energy of the nation’s youth should not be trapped in a web of confusion.
The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact, no student of India should get entangled in legal complications, and our children should focus on their studies and building their careers. Keeping this in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for his guidance, trust and continuous support. I also thank all my respected colleagues in the Council of Ministers, officials and employees of the ministry, and all those with whom I had the privilege of working. Serving the nation has always been the highest priority of my life, and I will remain dedicated to it forever.
With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way towards fulfilling the aspirations of Bharat Mata, the people of Odisha and the youth of the country in the future as well.
Yours,
Dharmendra Pradhan
(More to come)
