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Dispur (Assam) [भारत]July 25 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday acknowledged Dharmendra Pradhan's contribution to education reforms after he resigned as Union Education Minister. He said that Pradhan's efforts to "restore India's sense of civilization" and implement 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. This examination held in May was surrounded by allegations of irregularities, after which the examination was conducted again on June 21.

Effort to free the education system from colonial mentality

In a post on

Sarma wrote on I have always been impressed by his genuine affection towards me. He stood by us whenever Assam needed it. His encouragement, guidance and goodwill always meant a lot to me."

Pradhan's contribution to Assam remembered

Recalling their personal relations, the Assam Chief Minister said that Pradhan always showed "true affection towards Assam" and extended support to the state whenever required.

Sarma also highlighted Pradhan's role in strengthening the higher education infrastructure in the state, referring to the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Guwahati.

He said, "Just last week, we had the privilege of inaugurating the Indian Institute of Management, Guwahati. That proud moment was made possible because of his vision and his deep commitment to taking quality higher education to every part of the country."

He further said, "The people of Assam will always be grateful to him for this. As he leaves office, I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his dedication, his humility and his selfless service to Mother India. I wish him good health, happiness and strength in the years to come. I am sure he will continue to work with the same sincerity and commitment for our nation wherever he serves. Thank you, Prime Minister. Assam will always remember your affection and your contribution."

BJP President also appreciated

Meanwhile, BJP president Nitin Naveen also mentioned Pradhan's role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and described his resignation as an act of integrity and selfless service.

Naveen wrote in a post on I convey my best wishes to you."

What did Dharmendra Pradhan say on his resignation?

Submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan said he was stepping down in the larger interest of students to ensure that the youth of the country "do not fall into the trap of confusion." He highlighted his long association with education and reiterated his commitment to the aspirations of India's youth.

Pradhan said, "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 visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation."

Recalling the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan said the Center took immediate action after irregularities came to light in the examination held on May 3, 2026.

He said, "However, irregularities were found in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognizance of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, canceled the examination and announced the date of re-examination. Along with this, it was decided that from next year onwards, the examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode."

The Sambalpur MP stressed that the government's priority was to ensure that the interests of over two million students are protected during the re-examination process.

Pradhan said, "During this period, our primary concern was to ensure that examinations were conducted smoothly for over two million students... From day one I took responsibility of the situation and never turned my back on it. My resolve was that we will not let the future of any meritorious student be harmed because of the examination controversy."

Resignation came after protests

Pradhan's resignation came after a month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janata Party and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had gone on a 26-day hunger strike in May over the NEET-UG exam leak. The re-examination was held on 21 June. The agitation intensified with CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march on 20 July, which was followed by police action.

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijit Dipke said in his first reaction, "We did it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned."

He further said, "Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. And this resignation is proof that if you people are not afraid, if you people do not bow down before this government, then we can take anyone's resignation." (ANI)