Current term
Since Jul 2021 · Present
Dharmendra Pradhan
Education, Government of India · BJP
Dharmendra Pradhan
Education
BJP
Lakshadweep
Career
Education Minister 2021–; Petroleum Minister 2014–21
Born
1969 · Age 57
Education
MA (Political Science), Utkal University
Terms in Office
Education Minister 2021–; Petroleum Minister 2014–21
About
Indian politician (born 1969)
Dharmendra Pradhan is an Indian politician who served as the 9th Minister of Education from 2021 until his resignation in 2026. He previously served as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas from 2014 to 2021, Minister of Steel from 2019 to 2021, and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship from 2017 to 2024. Pradhan is currently a member of the Indian parliament representing the Sambalpur constituency in the Lok Sabha as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Previously, he has also served as a member of Rajya Sabha representing Bihar and Madhya Pradesh..
2024 Lok Sabha Result ECI ↗
65.4%
Vote Share
3.40 lakh
Winning Margin
74.6%
Turnout
BJD
Runner-up
Projects & Initiatives 3 ongoing
PM SHRI Schools
Budget₹27,360 crore (2022–27)
ReachGovt. reported: 14,500+ schools selected; 18 lakh+ students; 40 lakh+ upgrades in lab, smart classroom, library.
TargetScheme period 2022-27
Official agency / source
NIPUN Bharat (Foundational Literacy)
ReachGovt. reported: 55 lakh+ teachers trained; 25 crore+ students in Grades 1–3 targeted for foundational reading and numeracy by 2026–27.
TargetLearning target 2026-27
Official agency / source
SWAYAM 2.0 (Online Courses)
ReachGovt. reported: 5.8 crore+ enrolments; 3,600+ courses; 900+ faculty contributors across universities.
Official agency / source
Parliament Record
Full profile on Wikipedia ↗