Odisha CM Praises Pradhan’s Moral Stand on NEET-UG Crisis

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a BJP MP from Sambalpur, has stepped down from his post, citing moral responsibility over irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.

His resignation comes after widespread student protests and opposition criticism following repeated exam paper leaks.

Pradhan emphasised that the government has taken corrective measures, including cancelling the compromised exam, ordering a CBI probe, conducting a fresh test in June, and shifting future exams to computer-based mode.

He stated that his decision was aimed at protecting students from confusion and legal complications.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed Pradhan’s principled resignation, calling it a reflection of high moral values.

Majhi praised Pradhan’s role in transformative reforms such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and invoked Lord Jagannath’s blessings for his future.

Pradhan’s tenure is remembered for landmark reforms in Indian education, particularly NEP 2020, which reshaped the country’s academic framework.

His resignation underscores the political and cultural weight of Odisha in national discourse.