Dharmendra Pradhan and Yvette Berry: Two education ministers, two contrasting resignations in two days

Two education ministers resigned within days in different democracies.

Updated on: Jul 26, 2026, 18:48:36 IST

By HT News Desk

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Within just two days, two education ministers in two democracies resigned from office. While the departures came almost back-to-back, the circumstances surrounding them were markedly different.

While the exit happened almost back-to-back, the circumstances behind them were markedly different. (Facebook@Yvette Berry and ANI)

In India, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down on Saturday (July 25) amid mounting political pressure over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and criticism of the government's handling of protests, which demonstrators described as brutal.

Also read | Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as education minister amid massive paper leak protests

Earlier that week, on Thursday (July 23), Yvette Berry, the Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Australia's Australian Capital Territory (ACT), also resigned. Her decision, however, came despite an integrity investigation finding no personal wrongdoing on her part, according to ABC.

Australia's minister resigned despite being cleared

Berry's resignation followed the release of a report by the ACT Integrity Commission into the awarding of a multi-million-dollar contract for the redevelopment of Campbell Primary School.

According to the commission, the former director-general of the ACT Education Directorate and Berry's then chief of staff had engaged in "serious corrupt conduct". The report concluded that they had "dishonestly provided a back door" for the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) to advance its strategic interests during the procurement process, ABC reported.

Also read | 'Dharmendra Pradhan offered to resign on Day 1 of protests’: BJP leader makes bombshell claim

The commission, however, did not make any adverse findings against Berry herself.

Even after being cleared of wrongdoing, Berry chose to resign from the government on Thursday.

ACT Chief Minister accepts resignation

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr accepted Berry's resignation while emphasising that the Integrity Commission had found no evidence of her involvement or wrongdoing.

Also read | ‘Resigned to stop anti-national forces': Dharmendra Pradhan's reason for resignation as education minister

At the same time, Barr referred to the ACT's Ministerial Code of Conduct, which states that ministers are accountable for the decisions and actions of their staff.

Pradhan resigns

Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, after weeks of massive student protests in Delhi seeking his resignation over exam irregularities, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak.

Pradhan announced his resignation from the post on X. He said that he was taking the decision keeping the future of students in mind. "...To ensure that anti-national elements are not benefitted by the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their career, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister...," the letter reads.

The President of India has accepted Pradhan's resignation and Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Education minister.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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