Naresh Pal Gangwar Replaced by Deepti Gaur Mukherjee as Higher Education Secretary

On July 23, Naresh Pal Gangwar was appointed as the Higher Education Secretary in the Union Ministry of Education. However, in just 17 days, he was replaced by senior IAS officer Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, reflecting the turbulence within the ministry amid the NEET exam paper leak controversy and student protests.

• Background of the Change:

  • Vineet Joshi, the previous Higher Education Secretary, was moved following widespread criticism over the NEET paper leak.

  • Naresh Pal Gangwar was appointed as his successor but soon faced backlash after reports surfaced that his family had received government subsidies under welfare schemes.

  • Mounting criticism on social media and political pressure led to his removal.

• New Appointment:

  • Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, a 1993 batch IAS officer, has now taken charge as the new Higher Education Secretary.

  • She has previously served as Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and held senior roles in the National Health Authority and other key departments.

  • Her appointment is seen as an effort to stabilize the ministry during a sensitive period.

• Political Context:

  • The NEET paper leak and subsequent student protests created significant unrest.

  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan himself faced calls to resign, intensifying the pressure for administrative reshuffles.

  • This rapid change highlights the government’s attempt to restore credibility in the education system.