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{{short description|1=Indian politician}}
{{short description|Indian politician (born 1969)}}
{{BLP sources|date=March 2020}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2026}}
{{Infobox officeholder | office             = [[Ministry of Education (India)|Minister of Education]]
{{Infobox officeholder
| term_start         = 7 July 2021
| name            = Dharmendra Pradhan
| predecessor        = [[Ramesh Pokhriyal]]  
| image          = Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education.jpg
| primeminister      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| caption        = Pradhan in 2026
| native_name        =  
| office         = [[Minister of Education (India)|Union Minister of Education]]
| native_name_lang    = Odia
| term_start     = 7 July 2021
| image              = The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan holding a press conference on Cabinet Decisions, in New Delhi on December 30, 2020.jpg
| term_end        = 25 July 2026
| image_size          = 250px
| president      = [[Ramnath Kovind]]<br/>[[Droupadi Murmu]]
| office4            = [[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas]]
| prime_minister  = [[Narendra Modi]]
| predecessor4        = [[Veerappa Moily]]
| predecessor    = [[Ramesh Pokhriyal]]
| primeminister4      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| office3        = [[Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship|Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]]
| term_start4        = 26 May 2014
| term_start3    = 3 September 2017
| term_end4          = 6 July 2021
| term_end3      = 9 June 2024
| successor4          = [[Hardeep Singh Puri]]
| predecessor3    = [[Rajiv Pratap Rudy]]
| footnotes          =  
| successor3      = [[Jayant Chaudhary]] (as ''MoS I/C'')
| date                = 29 June 2019
| president3      = Ramnath Kovind<br/>Droupadi Murmu
| year                =
| prime_minister3 = Narendra Modi
| source              =
| office5        = [[Ministry of Steel|Union Minister of Steel]]
| office3            = [[Ministry of Steel (India)|Minister of Steel]]
| term_start5    = 30 May 2019
| term_start3        = 30 May 2019
| term_end5      = 7 July 2021
| predecessor3        = [[Chaudhary Birender Singh]]
| predecessor5    = [[Chaudhary Birender Singh]]
| primeminister3     = [[Narendra Modi]]
| successor5     = [[Ramchandra Prasad Singh]]
| successor3          = [[Ramchandra Prasad Singh]]
| president5      = Ramnath Kovind
| term_end3          = 7 July 2021
| prime_minister5 = Narendra Modi
| office1            = [[Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship|Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]]
| office6        = [[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas]]
| term_start1        = 7 July 2021
| term_start6    = 26 May 2014
| predecessor1        = [[Mahendra Nath Pandey]]
| term_end6      = 7 July 2021
| predecessor2        = [[Rajiv Pratap Rudy]]
| predecessor6    = [[Veerappa Moily]]
| primeminister1      = [[Narendra Modi]]
| successor6      = [[Hardeep Singh Puri]]
| successor2          = [[Mahendra Nath Pandey]]
| prime_minister6 = Narendra Modi
| term_start2        = 3 September 2017
| office7        = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| term_end2          = 30 May 2019
| constituency7  = [[Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency|Sambalpur, Odisha]]
| office5            = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
| term_start7    = 4 June 2024
| constituency5      = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| predecessor7    = [[Nitesh Ganga Deb]]
| predecessor5        = [[Prakash Javadekar]]
| office9        = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
| successor5          =  
| constituency9  = [[List of Rajya Sabha members from Madhya Pradesh|Madhya Pradesh]]
| term_start5        = 3 April 2018
| term_start9    = 4 April 2018
| term_end5          =  
| term_end9      = 3 April 2024
| constituency6      = [[Bihar]]
| predecessor9    = [[Prakash Javadekar]]
| term_start6        = 3 April 2012
| constituency10  = [[List of Rajya Sabha members from Bihar|Bihar]]
| term_end6          = 2 April 2018
| term_start10    = 3 April 2012
| successor6          = [[Manoj Jha]]
| term_end10      = 2 April 2018
| office7            = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| successor10    = [[Manoj Jha]]
| constituency7      = [[Deogarh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Deogarh]]
| office11        = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of [[Odisha Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start7        = 17 May 2004
| constituency11  = [[Pallahara Assembly constituency|Pallahara]]
| term_end7          = 18 May 2009
| term_start11    = 5 March 2000
| predecessor7        = [[Debendra Pradhan]]
| term_end11      = 15 May 2004
| successor7          = ''Constituency abolished''
| predecessor11  = Bibhudhendra Pratap Das (INC)
| father              = [[Debendra Pradhan]]
| successor11    = Nrusingha Sahu (INC)
| mother              = Basanta Manjari Pradhan
| birth_date     = {{Birth date and age|1969|06|26|df=y}}
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1969|6|26|df=y}}
| birth_place     = [[Talcher]], [[Odisha]], India
| birth_place         = [[Talcher]], [[Odisha]], [[India]]
| father          = [[Debendra Pradhan]]
| spouse             = Mridula Pradhan
| spouse         = {{marriage|Mridula Pradhan|1998}}
| children           = 2
| children       = 2
| party               = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| party           = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| alma_mater         = [[Utkal University]] ([[Master of Arts|M.A]])
| alma_mater     = [[Utkal University]] ([[Master of Arts|M.A]])
| residence          = [[Talcher]], [[Odisha]], [[India]]
| occupation      = {{hlist|Social worker|politician}}
| website            = http://dpradhanbjp.com
}}
}}
'''Dharmendra Pradhan''' (born 26 June 1969) is an Indian politician serving as the [[Ministry of Education (India)|Minister of Education]] and [[Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship|Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]] in the [[Government of India]]. He has also been the [[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas]] and [[Ministry of Steel|Minister of Steel]].
'''Dharmendra Pradhan''' (born 26 June 1969) is an Indian politician who served as the 9th [[Minister of Education (India)|Minister of Education]] from 2021 to 2026. He has  previously held cabinet positions as [[Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (India)|Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas]] (2014–2021), [[Minister of Steel (India)|Minister of Steel]] (2019–2021), [[Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]] (2017–2024), and [[Minister of Education (India)|Minister of Education]] (2021-2026). Pradhan represents the [[Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency|Sambalpur]] in the [[Lok Sabha]] as a member of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]. He has also served as a [[Rajya Sabha]] member from [[Bihar]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]].


Pradhan was promoted to a Cabinet Minister on 3 September 2017. Shri Pradhan currently represents Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha as Member of Parliament. Earlier, he was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha.
His tenure as the federal [[Minister of Education (India)|Minister of Education]] has been marred by several controversies and irregularities, foremost amongt them the leakage of the examination scripts for the competitive NEET exam, held to filter candidates for undergraduate medical studies in India. Such successive leaks occurred first in [[2024 NEET controversy|2024]], and again in [[2026 NEET controversy|2026]], which warranted a retest involving over 2.2 million students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India: What's driving the intense pressure on students? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-whats-driving-the-intense-pressure-on-students/a-77678137 |access-date=2026-07-22 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> The academic strain arising from the latter allegedly precipitated the suicides of at least 12 students, and has served as a direct precursor to the ongoing [[2026 Delhi Jantar Mantar protests|2026 Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi]], wherein student protestors, inter alia, are seeking his resignation and accountability from the BJP-led [[Union Government]]. Protests intensified with concerted calls for Pradhan's resignation owing to his alleged mismanagement of affairs, a heavy police crackdown (including but not limited to baton-charges and teargassing) on the student protestors notwithstanding.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-07-20 |title=India's 'cockroach' movement supporters caned by police |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-20/india-cockroach-party-march-supporters-caned/106936124 |access-date=2026-07-22 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> On 25 July 2026, Pradhan resigned from his post as Minister of Education <ref name=":0" />


==Early life and politics==
Five criminal cases against Pradhan are currently outstanding.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dharmendra Pradhan(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- SAMBALPUR(ODISHA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate: |url=https://www.myneta.info/LokSabha2024/candidate.php?candidate_id=8053 |access-date=2026-07-22 |website=www.myneta.info}}</ref>
He is the son of Kurmi Debendra Pradhan, who was also a Minister of State in the Vajpayee government from 1999-2004. Born on 26 June 1969, he hails from the city of Talcher in Odisha.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}


He became an A.B.V.P. activist while studying as a higher secondary student in Talcher College (Orissa) and later became the president of student union of Talcher College. Pradhan started his political career as an Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist in 1983 and was elected as its secretary. He holds a post-graduate degree in Anthropology from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
== Early life and education ==
Pradhan was born on 26 June 1969 in [[Talcher]], [[Odisha]], to Debendra Pradhan, a former [[Minister of State (India)|Minister of State]] in the [[Vajpayee ministry]] (1998–2004), and Basanta Manjari Pradhan. His family hails from the [[Chasa (caste)|Chasa]] community.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Women Voters, Welfare Schemes and Star Campaigners: The Prime Factors in Sambalpur Lok Sabha Contest|url=https://m.thewire.in/article/politics/women-voters-welfare-schemes-and-star-campaigners-the-prime-factors-in-sambalpur-lok-sabha-contest|publisher=The Wire|date=20 May 2024|access-date=20 May 2024}}</ref> He became active in student politics through the [[Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad]] (ABVP) in 1983 while at Talcher College, serving as president and later secretary of the student union. He earned a postgraduate degree in [[Anthropology]] from [[Utkal University]] in [[Bhubaneswar]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2026}}


After serving for different positions in the BJP, he was elected to the 14th Lok Sabha. He was also elected the member of the Rajya Sabha twice from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dharmendra Pradhan: Age, Biography, Education, Wife, Caste, Net Worth & More - Oneindia|url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/dharmendra-pradhan-15684.html|access-date=2020-09-10|website=oneindia.com|language=en}}</ref>
== Political career ==


==Union minister==
=== Early political career ===
===Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas===
Pradhan was elected to the [[Odisha Legislative Assembly]] from [[Pallahara Assembly constituency|Pallahara]] in 2000. He entered the [[Lok Sabha]] in 2004 representing [[Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency|Deogarh]] until the constituency was abolished in 2009. He also served as National President of the [[Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha]] (BJYM) from 2004 to 2006, and held various party positions including National Secretary and All India General Secretary of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP).{{cn|date=July 2026}}
Dharmendra Pradhan has been the longest serving Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in the history of independent India. Joining as the Minister of State (In-charge) in 2014, he was later promoted to the Cabinet rank in 2017. On 31 May 2019,Shri Pradhan began his second consecutive tenure at the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India


===The Ujjwala Man===
=== Ministerial tenures ===
Popularly called the "Ujjwala Man",<ref>{{Cite news|title=Dharmendra Pradhan: Ujjwala Man who helped BJP make inroads in Patnaik's citadel|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/dharmendra-pradhan-ujjwala-man-who-helped-bjp-make-inroads-in-patnaiks-citadel/articleshow/69585139.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-09-10}}</ref> Pradhan is credited with the success of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana  launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas under which over 8 million LPG connections have been provided to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families over the past 6 years.Ujjwala Yojana has been hailed as the vehicle for driving women empowerment and social change.International Energy Agency termed Ujjwala Yojana as a "game-changer in ending [[energy poverty]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=International Energy Agency hails PM's Ujjwala scheme, says it's a 'game-changer in ending energy poverty' {{!}} Latest News & Updates at DNAIndia.com|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-international-energy-agency-hails-pm-s-ujjwala-scheme-says-it-s-a-game-changer-in-ending-energy-poverty-2773804|access-date=2020-09-10|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> IIM Ahmedabad published a working paper on "Lighting up Lives through Cooking Gas and transforming society".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Research And Publication - IIMA|url=https://web.iima.ac.in/faculty-and-research/research-and-publication.html&page=4&rnpid=14599|access-date=2020-09-10|website=web.iima.ac.in}}</ref> PM Ujjwala Yojana, among other initiatives is also considered one of the key factors behind the re-election of the Modi Government in 2019 Lok Sabha election.


===Policy reforms===
==== Petroleum and Natural Gas (2014–2021) ====
Pradhan has led to some keys decisions in the hydrocarbon sector. Pradhan, supported by the Union Cabinet, has brought in a new Hydrocarbon Exploration & Licensing Policy, which through its uniform licensing for explorations and production of all forms of hydrocarbon, open acreage policy and marketing and pricing freedom will enhance domestic oil & gas production with substantial investment in the sector in India and generate sizable employment. He also led consumer initiatives like PAHAL which is the world's largest Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme and the Give It Up campaign, that was liberally supported by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aimed at encouraging affluent citizens to surrender their LPG subsidy for the needy receiving a successful response of 10 million consumers.
Appointed as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2014, Pradhan was elevated to Cabinet rank in 2017. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives such as the [[Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana]], which aimed to expand LPG access in rural India. The ministry also implemented the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, the PAHAL subsidy reform, and campaigns encouraging voluntary subsidy relinquishment. Investments exceeding USD 60 billion were made to expand city gas distribution networks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=USD 60 billion investment coming in gas infrastructure: Dharmendra Pradhan|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/usd-60-billion-investment-coming-in-gas-infrastructure-dharmendra-pradhan/article29673498.ece|access-date=10 September 2020|website=@businessline|date=13 October 2019}}</ref>


===Energy transition===
==== Steel (2019–2021) ====
Dharmendra Pradhan, as the Petroleum Minister has been driving India's [[energy transition]] balancing India's energy demand and India's commitment to climate change mitigation efforts. He has provided to leadership to efforts around making India, a gas-based economy. With around $60 billion of investments lined up in India's gas infrastructure,<ref>{{Cite web|last=PTI|title=USD 60 billion investment coming in gas infrastructure: Dharmendra Pradhan|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/usd-60-billion-investment-coming-in-gas-infrastructure-dharmendra-pradhan/article29673498.ece|access-date=2020-09-10|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref> Pradhan has been working to expand the city gas distribution network and piped gas network in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|title='City Gas networks will soon cover 72% of country's population'|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/macro-economy/city-gas-networks-will-soon-cover-72-of-countrys-population/article31704265.ece|access-date=2020-09-10|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref> He has underlined that India is going to chart its own path of energy transition which will balance India's energy demand and decarbonisation efforts.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Dharmendra Pradhan: India to chart its own course of energy transition: Dharmendra Pradhan|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/india-to-chart-its-own-course-of-energy-transition-dharmendra-pradhan/articleshow/71593209.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-09-10}}</ref>
As Minister of Steel, Pradhan launched initiatives including [[Ispati Irada]] and [[Mission Purvodaya]] to increase production capacity, strengthen the secondary steel sector, and promote job creation and regional industrial growth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.psuwatch.com/ispati-irada-launched-by-pradhan-during-steel-chintan-shivir|title='Ispati Irada' launched by Pradhan during Steel Chintan Shivir|date=23 September 2019}}</ref>


===Union Minister of Steel===
==== Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017–2024) ====
In a brief tenure as the Minister of Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan has been working on to facilitate augmentation of production capacity, ensure growth of secondary steel sector, jobs creation, ensures value addition and import substitution. With particular focus on enhancing steel usage in India, he launched Ispati Irada, a collaborative campaign to involve all stakeholders in this drive.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.psuwatch.com/ispati-irada-launched-by-pradhan-during-steel-chintan-shivir |title='Ispati Irada' launched by Pradhan during Steel Chintan Shivir |date=2019-09-23 |access-date=2021-07-07 |website=psuwatch.com}}</ref> He also launched Mission Purvodaya in steel sector to drive transformation of eastern India through the growth of steel industry which has majority presence in eastern India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dharmendra Pradhan unveils Mission Purvodaya to develop eastern region into a integrated steel hub|url=http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?title=Dharmendra-Pradhan-unveils-Mission-Purvodaya-to-develop-eastern-region-into-a-integrated-steel-hub&id=377595|access-date=2020-09-10|website=newsonair.com}}</ref>
Pradhan implemented programs aimed at reskilling and upskilling the workforce, expanding [[Industrial training institute|ITI]] infrastructure by over 40% and increasing enrlo by 28% until 2019. The [[National Council for Vocational Education and Training]] (NCVET) and the [[Skill Saathi]] platform were established to standardize training and support trainees.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2.5 Crore people trained under Skill India in 3 years|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/25-crore-people-trained-under-skill-india-in-3-years/1324725|access-date=10 September 2020}}</ref> Some critics highlighted challenges with placement rates and program duration.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sivapriyan|first=E.T.B.|title=Skill training: An incomplete solution to India's unemployment crisis|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/skill-training-an-incomplete-solution-to-indias-unemployment-crisis-1212085.html|access-date=22 September 2024}}</ref>


===Union Minister of Skill Development===
==== Education (2021–present) ====
As Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Pradhan launched many key initiatives focussing on reskilling and upskilling the manpower of India and focusing on bridging the skill gap for the Indian youth. During his tenure, the total number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) increased by over 40% and student enrolment increased by over 28% till 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2.5 Crore people trained under Skill India in 3 years|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/25-crore-people-trained-under-skill-india-in-3-years/1324725|access-date=2020-09-10|website=outlookindia.com/}}</ref> He brought in new paradigms in the regulatory environment by mooting National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) as new unified national reg IBM, Adobe etc. to introduce new age skills related to Industry 4.0.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adobe, Skill Development Ministry launch digital literacy programme|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/adobe-skill-development-ministry-launch-digital-literacy-programme/1376913|access-date=2020-09-10|website=outlookindia.com/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sheth|first=Hemani|title=IBM India, NSDC tie-up for offering free digital skills training|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/ibm-india-nsdc-tie-up-for-offering-free-digital-skills-training/article32413339.ece|access-date=2020-09-10|website=@businessline|language=en}}</ref> He also launched one of the world's largest counselling program named Skill Saathi.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-02-23|title=Skill Saathi Youth Conclave Feb 25 - OrissaPOST|url=https://www.orissapost.com/skill-saathi-youth-conclave-feb-25/|access-date=2020-09-10|website=Odisha News, Odisha Latest news, Odisha Daily - OrissaPOST|language=en-US}}</ref>
Pradhan assumed office as Minister of Education in July 2021. He oversaw reforms to the [[National Testing Agency]] (NTA) and the implementation of policies aimed at improving entrance examinations, including commissioning a committee led by former [[ISRO]] chief [[Koppillil Radhakrishnan|K. Radhakrishnan]]. In 2024, the ministry faced scrutiny following allegations of [[2024 NEET controversy|malpractice]] in the [[National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)|NEET-UG]]; the [[Supreme Court of India]] found no evidence of large-scale malpractice, though isolated incidents led to over 100 arrests.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NEET: Why an exam has sparked national outrage in India|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv22wl82yldo|access-date=21 September 2024}}</ref>


In May 2019, Pradhan continued his Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and got the [[Ministry of Steel]].<ref>{{citation |title=PM Modi allocates portfolios. Full list of new ministers |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/pm-modi-allocates-portfolios-full-list-of-new-ministers-1559288502067.html |work=[[Live Mint]] |date=31 May 2019 }}</ref>
'''NEET paper leak (2026)'''


===Union Minister of Education===
In 2026, NEET-UG again became the subject of controversy after the [[National Testing Agency]] (NTA) cancelled the 3 May examination amid paper-leak allegations and scheduled a re-examination for 21 June 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=Conduct of Re-examination for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test [NEET (UG)] 2026 – Reg. |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s37bc1ec1d9c3426357e69acd5bf320061/uploads/2026/05/20260515960654684.pdf |publisher=[[National Testing Agency]] |date=15 May 2026 |access-date=6 June 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Re-Exam On June 21, Here's What Students Must Know |url=https://www.ndtv.com/education/neet-paper-leak-neet-ug-2026-re-exam-on-june-21-key-details-students-must-know-11503304 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=16 May 2026 |access-date=6 June 2026}}</ref> On 6 June 2026, supporters of the [[Cockroach Janta Party]], a satirical youth-led political movement, held a protest at [[Jantar Mantar, New Delhi|Jantar Mantar]] in New Delhi and demanded Pradhan's resignation over examination leaks and marking-related concerns.<ref>{{cite news |title='Cockroach' youth group founder leads first street protest after arrival in India |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-cockroach-youth-movement-founder-arrives-new-delhi-protest-modi-2026-06-06/ |work=[[Reuters]] |date=6 June 2026 |access-date=6 June 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Saaliq |first1=Sheikh |last2=Hussain |first2=Aijaz |title=Mock political party for India's young 'cockroaches' holds first street protest |url=https://apnews.com/article/2c74e5597c1a7a4ac5a49ee8ce72f1cd |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=6 June 2026 |access-date=6 June 2026}}</ref>


In July 2021, Pradhan became [[Ministry of Education (India)|Minister of Education]] in [[Second Modi ministry]] after the Cabinet reshuffle replacing [[Ramesh Pokhriyal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/modi-cabinet-rejig-full-list-of-new-ministers-1825111-2021-07-07|title=Modi cabinet rejig: Full list of new ministers|website=India Today|access-date=2021-07-07}}</ref>
== Controversies ==
{{See also|2026 Delhi Jantar Mantar Protests}}
Pradhan has five pending criminal cases, including allegations under the [[Indian Penal Code]] for promoting enmity between groups.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dharmendra Pradhan(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- SAMBALPUR(ODISHA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=https://www.myneta.info/LokSabha2024/candidate.php?candidate_id=8053 |access-date=22 September 2024}}</ref> The [[2024 NEET controversy]] drew public criticism and parliamentary scrutiny.


==Positions held==
The [[2026 NEET controversy]] led to widespread criticism of Pradhan's handling of national entrance examinations. In June 2026, the [[Cockroach Janta Party]] protest at [[Jantar Mantar, New Delhi|Jantar Mantar]] was among the demonstrations demanding his resignation over examination leaks and grading-related concerns.<ref>{{cite news |title='Cockroach' youth group founder leads first street protest after arrival in India |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-cockroach-youth-movement-founder-arrives-new-delhi-protest-modi-2026-06-06/ |work=[[Reuters]] |date=6 June 2026 |access-date=6 June 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Saaliq |first1=Sheikh |last2=Hussain |first2=Aijaz |title=Mock political party for India's young 'cockroaches' holds first street protest |url=https://apnews.com/article/2c74e5597c1a7a4ac5a49ee8ce72f1cd |work=[[Associated Press]] |date=6 June 2026 |access-date=6 June 2026}}</ref> This lead to Pradhan's resignation on 25 July 2026 <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Asim |first=Mohammad |date=25 July 2026 |title=Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Sends Resignation To PM Modi Amid Student Protests |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-amid-cockroach-janta-party-protests-sends-resignation-to-pm-modi-11820136 |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2026 |website=NDTV News}}</ref>
* In-charge - BJP Uttar Pradesh
*[[Ministry of Education (India)|Minister of Education]], Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Jul 2021 – Present)
*Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Steel (May 2019 - Jul 2021)
*Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Sept 2017 - May 2019)
*Minister of State (Independent Charge) : Petroleum & Natural Gas (May 2014 - Sept 2017)
* Member of Parliament ([[Rajya Sabha]]), Madhya Pradesh (MP): April 2018 in BJP – present<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://petroleum.nic.in/about-us/meet-the-minister|title = MoPNG}}</ref>
* Member of Parliament ([[Rajya Sabha]]), Bihar: 2012– 2018
* In-charge - BJP Bihar:
* In-charge BJP Karnataka: 2011–2013
*[[Bharatiya Janata Party]] All India General Secretary - 2010 - 2015
* Co-Incharge - BJP Bihar:  - State Elections
* In-charge Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM):
* In-Charge BJP Jharkhand:
* Election in Charge BJP Uttarakhand
* Bharatiya Janata Party: National Secretary 2007–2010
* In-charge Chhattisgarh: 2007–2010
* Member of Parliament ([[Lok Sabha]]): 2004–2009 Deogarh, Odisha, India
* Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha National President: 2004–2006
* Member of Odisha Legislative Assembly 2000–2004 Pallahada Assembly constituency
* National Secretary of ABVP 1995<ref>http://dpradhanbjp.com/biography/</ref>
* President, Talcher College Students' Union 1985
* Started as an Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activist in the year 1983


==References==
== Personal life ==
{{Reflist}}
Pradhan is married to Mridula Pradhan since 1998 and has two children. He resides in New Delhi.


==External links==
== See also ==
*[https://veblr.com/user/DharmendraPradhan/videos Official Video Channel of Dharmendra Pradhan Ji on Veblr.com]
* [[Third Modi ministry]]
* [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]


{{s-start}}
== References ==
{{s-par|in-lwr}}
{{Reflist}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Debendra Pradhan]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament<br />for [[Deogarh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Deogarh]] |years=2004 – 2009}}
{{s-aft|after=Constituency ceased to exist}}
|-
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Veerappa Moily]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas]]|years= 26 May 2014 – Present}}
{{s-inc}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Rajiv Pratap Rudy]]<br />'''Minister of State (Independent Charge)'''}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship|Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]]|years=3 September 2017 – 29 May 2019}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Mahendra Nath Pandey]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Birender Singh (politician, born 1946)|Chaudhary Birender Singh]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Steel|Minister of Steel]]|years=30 May 2019 – Present}}
{{s-inc}}
|-
{{s-end}}


{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}
== External links ==
{{Second Narendra Modi Cabinet|state=collapsed}}
* [https://veblr.com/user/DharmendraPradhan/videos Official Video Channel of Dharmendra Pradhan on Veblr.com]
{{Cabinet of Narendra Modi}}
{{G20-Education}}
{{Energy Ministries and Departments of India}}
{{14th LS members from Odisha}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pradhan, Dharmendra}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Odisha]]
[[Category:People from Angul district]]
[[Category:Odisha politicians]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Odisha]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Odisha]]
[[Category:14th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:Orissa MLAs 2000–2004]]
[[Category:People from Angul district]]
[[Category:India MPs 2004–2009]]
[[Category:India MPs 2024–2029]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Bihar]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Bihar]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Madhya Pradesh]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Odisha]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Odisha]]
[[Category:Narendra Modi ministry]]
[[Category:People from Debagarh district]]
[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of India]]
[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of India]]
[[Category:Steel Ministers of India]]
[[Category:Steel ministers of India]]
[[Category:Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministers of India]]
[[Category:Petroleum and natural gas ministers of India]]
[[Category:Education Ministers of India]]
[[Category:Ministers of education of India]]

Latest revision as of 14:53, 25 July 2026


Dharmendra Pradhan
Pradhan in 2026
Union Minister of Education
In office
7 July 2021 – 25 July 2026
PresidentRamnath Kovind
Droupadi Murmu
Preceded byRamesh Pokhriyal
Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
In office
3 September 2017 – 9 June 2024
PresidentRamnath Kovind
Droupadi Murmu
Preceded byRajiv Pratap Rudy
Succeeded byJayant Chaudhary (as MoS I/C)
Union Minister of Steel
In office
30 May 2019 – 7 July 2021
PresidentRamnath Kovind
Preceded byChaudhary Birender Singh
Succeeded byRamchandra Prasad Singh
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas
In office
26 May 2014 – 7 July 2021
Preceded byVeerappa Moily
Succeeded byHardeep Singh Puri
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Assumed office
4 June 2024
Preceded byNitesh Ganga Deb
ConstituencySambalpur, Odisha
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
In office
4 April 2018 – 3 April 2024
Preceded byPrakash Javadekar
ConstituencyMadhya Pradesh
In office
3 April 2012 – 2 April 2018
Succeeded byManoj Jha
ConstituencyBihar
Member of Odisha Legislative Assembly
In office
5 March 2000 – 15 May 2004
Preceded byBibhudhendra Pratap Das (INC)
Succeeded byNrusingha Sahu (INC)
ConstituencyPallahara
Personal details
Born (1969-06-26) 26 June 1969 (age 57)
Talcher, Odisha, India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s)
Mridula Pradhan
(
m. 1998)
Children2
Parent(s)
Alma materUtkal University (M.A)
Occupation
  • Social worker
  • politician

Dharmendra Pradhan (born 26 June 1969) is an Indian politician who served as the 9th Minister of Education from 2021 to 2026. He has previously held cabinet positions as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (2014–2021), Minister of Steel (2019–2021), Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017–2024), and Minister of Education (2021-2026). Pradhan represents the Sambalpur in the Lok Sabha as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has also served as a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

His tenure as the federal Minister of Education has been marred by several controversies and irregularities, foremost amongt them the leakage of the examination scripts for the competitive NEET exam, held to filter candidates for undergraduate medical studies in India. Such successive leaks occurred first in 2024, and again in 2026, which warranted a retest involving over 2.2 million students.[1] The academic strain arising from the latter allegedly precipitated the suicides of at least 12 students, and has served as a direct precursor to the ongoing 2026 Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi, wherein student protestors, inter alia, are seeking his resignation and accountability from the BJP-led Union Government. Protests intensified with concerted calls for Pradhan's resignation owing to his alleged mismanagement of affairs, a heavy police crackdown (including but not limited to baton-charges and teargassing) on the student protestors notwithstanding.[2] On 25 July 2026, Pradhan resigned from his post as Minister of Education [3]

Five criminal cases against Pradhan are currently outstanding.[4]

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Pradhan was born on 26 June 1969 in Talcher, Odisha, to Debendra Pradhan, a former Minister of State in the Vajpayee ministry (1998–2004), and Basanta Manjari Pradhan. His family hails from the Chasa community.[5] He became active in student politics through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1983 while at Talcher College, serving as president and later secretary of the student union. He earned a postgraduate degree in Anthropology from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar.[citation needed]

Political career[edit | edit source]

Early political career[edit | edit source]

Pradhan was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Pallahara in 2000. He entered the Lok Sabha in 2004 representing Deogarh until the constituency was abolished in 2009. He also served as National President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) from 2004 to 2006, and held various party positions including National Secretary and All India General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[citation needed]

Ministerial tenures[edit | edit source]

Petroleum and Natural Gas (2014–2021)[edit | edit source]

Appointed as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2014, Pradhan was elevated to Cabinet rank in 2017. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which aimed to expand LPG access in rural India. The ministry also implemented the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, the PAHAL subsidy reform, and campaigns encouraging voluntary subsidy relinquishment. Investments exceeding USD 60 billion were made to expand city gas distribution networks.[6]

Steel (2019–2021)[edit | edit source]

As Minister of Steel, Pradhan launched initiatives including Ispati Irada and Mission Purvodaya to increase production capacity, strengthen the secondary steel sector, and promote job creation and regional industrial growth.[7]

Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017–2024)[edit | edit source]

Pradhan implemented programs aimed at reskilling and upskilling the workforce, expanding ITI infrastructure by over 40% and increasing enrlo by 28% until 2019. The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and the Skill Saathi platform were established to standardize training and support trainees.[8] Some critics highlighted challenges with placement rates and program duration.[9]

Education (2021–present)[edit | edit source]

Pradhan assumed office as Minister of Education in July 2021. He oversaw reforms to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the implementation of policies aimed at improving entrance examinations, including commissioning a committee led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan. In 2024, the ministry faced scrutiny following allegations of malpractice in the NEET-UG; the Supreme Court of India found no evidence of large-scale malpractice, though isolated incidents led to over 100 arrests.[10]

NEET paper leak (2026)

In 2026, NEET-UG again became the subject of controversy after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the 3 May examination amid paper-leak allegations and scheduled a re-examination for 21 June 2026.[11][12] On 6 June 2026, supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical youth-led political movement, held a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and demanded Pradhan's resignation over examination leaks and marking-related concerns.[13][14]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

See also: 2026 Delhi Jantar Mantar Protests

Pradhan has five pending criminal cases, including allegations under the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity between groups.[15] The 2024 NEET controversy drew public criticism and parliamentary scrutiny.

The 2026 NEET controversy led to widespread criticism of Pradhan's handling of national entrance examinations. In June 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar was among the demonstrations demanding his resignation over examination leaks and grading-related concerns.[16][17] This lead to Pradhan's resignation on 25 July 2026 [3]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Pradhan is married to Mridula Pradhan since 1998 and has two children. He resides in New Delhi.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "India: What's driving the intense pressure on students?". dw.com. Retrieved 22 July 2026.
  2. ↑ "India's 'cockroach' movement supporters caned by police". ABC News. 20 July 2026. Retrieved 22 July 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Asim, Mohammad (25 July 2026). "Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Sends Resignation To PM Modi Amid Student Protests". NDTV News. Retrieved 25 July 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ↑ "Dharmendra Pradhan(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- SAMBALPUR(ODISHA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate:". www.myneta.info. Retrieved 22 July 2026.
  5. ↑ "Women Voters, Welfare Schemes and Star Campaigners: The Prime Factors in Sambalpur Lok Sabha Contest". The Wire. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  6. ↑ "USD 60 billion investment coming in gas infrastructure: Dharmendra Pradhan". @businessline. 13 October 2019. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  7. ↑ "'Ispati Irada' launched by Pradhan during Steel Chintan Shivir". 23 September 2019.
  8. ↑ "2.5 Crore people trained under Skill India in 3 years". Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  9. ↑ Sivapriyan, E.T.B. "Skill training: An incomplete solution to India's unemployment crisis". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  10. ↑ "NEET: Why an exam has sparked national outrage in India". Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  11. ↑ "Conduct of Re-examination for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test [NEET (UG)] 2026 – Reg" (PDF). National Testing Agency. 15 May 2026. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  12. ↑ "NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: Re-Exam On June 21, Here's What Students Must Know". NDTV. 16 May 2026. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  13. ↑ "'Cockroach' youth group founder leads first street protest after arrival in India". Reuters. 6 June 2026. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  14. ↑ Saaliq, Sheikh; Hussain, Aijaz (6 June 2026). "Mock political party for India's young 'cockroaches' holds first street protest". Associated Press. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  15. ↑ "Dharmendra Pradhan(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):Constituency- SAMBALPUR(ODISHA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  16. ↑ "'Cockroach' youth group founder leads first street protest after arrival in India". Reuters. 6 June 2026. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  17. ↑ Saaliq, Sheikh; Hussain, Aijaz (6 June 2026). "Mock political party for India's young 'cockroaches' holds first street protest". Associated Press. Retrieved 6 June 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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