'Ujjwala Man' Takes Charge As Minister Of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship

Resham Suhail Jul 10, 2021

As the much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle concluded on July 7, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Union Cabinet to expand its council of ministers. Former cabinet minister for Petroleum assumed charge as Minister of skill development and entrepreneurship and also inducted as India’s Education Minister.

Dharmendra Pradhan will succeed Ramesh Pokhrial ‘Nishank’ as the Education Minister as he earlier resigned citing his health reasons. Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, who was Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship before yesterday’s Cabinet reshuffle, was also present on the occasion and extended his best wishes to ministers on taking office. Pradhan became an MP in 2004 after successfully contesting from the Deogarh parliamentary constituency.

While taking charge of the Ministry, Pradhan mentioned that he is committed to strengthening the skilling efforts of the ministry and equipping the youth with the necessary skills to prepare them for future of work and creating linkages between skilling and employment.

On this latest development, industry experts are optimistic of major positive transformations, as employment has been the affected area throughout the pandemic. Pradhan is expected to bring some major reforms in the Education sector by enforcing New Education Policy (NEP 2020) across the country.

The industry is witnessing the need to bridge the gap between unskilled labour becoming employable for suitable jobs.

Commenting on the latest appointment, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that he was privileged and honoured to serve as MoS in the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry, he would work hard to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of a Digital, Skilled and New India, he added.

Pradhan began his political journey from the Odisha assembly election from Pallalhara in 2000. Former BJP MP Debendra Pradhan’s son, Dharmendra Pradhan is a postgraduate and holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Utkal University Bhubaneswar.

As the recent pandemic and business disruption has called for major demand for jobs, skilling has become more critical to be in the centre of focus. The newly appointed leader is expected to reimagine and re-strategise the skilling initiatives in order to bring out the best across the country.