Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the critical need for the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to be objective, transparent, and accessible. Speaking at ‘The Hindu Mind’ event on Monday, September 22, 2025, Pradhan asserted that while the government grants significant autonomy to institutions like NIRF and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), “they must operate with transparency and enhance their governance.” He added, “Democracy flourishes in an accountable society. No institution is above scrutiny. Autonomy comes with the responsibility to improve governance.”
Addressing his recent critiques of specific NIRF parameters, particularly the ‘perception’ criterion, Mr. Pradhan clarified that the government acts as a guardian for students and the broader society. “It is my duty to voice societal expectations to these independent and autonomous entities,” he stated. “They are expected to reform, and indeed, they are already making progress. The era of the government micromanaging everything is over.” He commended both NIRF and NAAC for their positive contributions, noting, “These institutions are doing commendable work. NAAC has established effective methodologies, and NIRF is also performing well. Before 2014, India lacked its own national ranking system. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who envisioned and introduced the NIRF mechanism, which began in 2016. It is a maturing and evolving system.” He stressed that his feedback was not a sign of dissatisfaction but rather “an indication for continuous improvement. It’s fundamentally a governance matter, and these institutions must enhance their governance.”
Regarding global education rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Mr. Pradhan highlighted the significant leap made by Indian institutions. When asked about recent controversies concerning visa restrictions for Indian citizens in the United States, he asserted that India is not reliant on any foreign institution, stating, “We must adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape.”
Odisha’s Political Landscape
When questioned about the BJP’s potential to succeed BJD chief Naveen Patnaik in Odisha, the senior leader expressed confidence. He stated that the BJP would become a significant force in the state, having grown from humble beginnings to a ruling party with a 40% vote share. “The BJP is poised to be a formidable and enduring political power in Odisha,” he affirmed.
Addressing speculation about his own candidacy for BJP president and the delay in appointing a new party chief, Mr. Pradhan explained that the BJP operates as a cadre-based party, with the leadership ultimately deciding the president. He praised J.P. Nadda as a “very successful president,” highlighting the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections under his guidance. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is our ultimate leader,” Pradhan stated, dismissing concerns about a leadership vacuum. “Our party is democratic, not a family enterprise. There’s an established process and a suitable time for such decisions. Given the many national issues at hand, the leadership will make the right choice at the opportune moment.”