Amid the ongoing protests over the NEET paper leaks, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday (25 July) his resignation from the Union Cabinet.
In a letter addressed to his "young friends," Pradhan said that he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for more than four decades. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the very foundation of a strong nation. I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions, and just expectations of the country's youth," Pradhan said.
"Realising the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment of all of us in political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for the opportunity he gave me to serve the nation under his visionary leadership," Pradhan added.
"I have always had unwavering faith in the power of our democracy and deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and aspirations of our youth. They are not only the future of India, but also the bearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India. I am saddened by the events of the last 10 days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me. The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. I will not let the youth of the country get trapped in the vicious cycle of confusion, this is my resolve," he said.
"Considering the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, that the unity of the country should be preserved, that not even a single student's future should get entangled in legal complications, and that our children should devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers, I have sent my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister," he added.