EducationMinister – Dharmendra Pradhan Focuses on Education Agenda Amid NEET-UG Protest Wave
EducationMinister – Even as demonstrations linked to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy continued across several parts of the country, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan maintained his scheduled official engagements and addressed a national meeting of education ministers without referring to the ongoing issue.
The Union Education Minister attended a conclave of education ministers representing states and Union Territories in New Delhi on Wednesday, where discussions remained centered on long-term education reforms and school policies. Although public attention has largely been focused on the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and the protests demanding accountability, Pradhan did not mention the matter during his address, which lasted for nearly half an hour.
Official Meeting Focused on Education Reforms
The meeting was held at the ICAR National Agricultural Science Complex in the national capital. It marked the minister’s first major public appearance after protests intensified earlier in the week. During his speech, Pradhan concentrated on subjects that have consistently featured in the Centre’s education agenda, including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), and improvements in school education across the country.
The event was streamed live on digital platforms, including the minister’s official X account. The broadcast attracted significant public attention, drawing tens of thousands of viewers within a short period after it began.
Emphasis on Mother Tongue and Three-Language Formula
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan reiterated the importance of imparting primary education in students’ mother tongue, particularly up to Class V. He also underlined the significance of the three-language approach recommended under the National Education Policy, encouraging students enrolled in CBSE schools to study multiple languages, including Indian regional languages.
The minister said that several states have already adopted recommendations outlined in the National Curriculum Framework. He added that the Union government has not imposed these changes on any state and that decisions regarding implementation remain with state governments, educational institutions, and policymakers.
Curriculum Revision Progress Shared
Providing an update on academic reforms, Pradhan informed the gathering that revised NCERT textbooks have already been introduced up to Class IX during the current academic session. He said work on revised books for Classes X and XI is expected to be completed during the next academic year, while the updated Class XII textbooks are planned for the following year.
According to the minister, these revisions are intended to align classroom learning with the objectives of the National Education Policy while ensuring students receive updated educational material suited to changing academic requirements.
Science, Skills and Holistic Learning Highlighted
Pradhan also stressed the need for students to remain informed about emerging developments in science and technology. He said preparing young learners for future opportunities requires education systems to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving knowledge.
The minister further highlighted the importance of skill development, physical education, and arts education, describing them as key components recommended under the National Education Policy. He clarified that individual state education boards have the flexibility to decide whether these subjects should carry marks in board examinations or remain part of internal assessments.
Protests Continue Outside Official Discussions
While the education conference focused entirely on policy and curriculum matters, demonstrations related to the NEET-UG paper leak continued to dominate the broader public discourse. However, the minister’s address remained confined to educational reforms, curriculum implementation, and future academic planning, without making any reference to the controversy or the ongoing protests.