4 New Ministers Take Oath, Set Ambitious Plans for Development Across Sectors

KalimNews, Kalimpong, September 22, 2025 : In a significant political development on Monday, four newly appointed ministers took their oaths of office at the President's official residence, Sheetal Niwas, in the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel. The ceremony marked a crucial moment in the functioning of the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, following recent political shifts in the country.

The newly appointed ministers include Mahabir Pun as the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Anil Kumar Sinha as the Minister for Industry and Land Reform, Jagadish Kharel as the Minister for Communication, Information, and Technology, and Dr. Madan Pariyar as the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development. Their appointments come after a recommendation from Prime Minister Karki, who emphasized the need for fresh leadership amidst the growing demands for reform.

The political landscape in Nepal shifted dramatically after the fall of the KP Sharma Oli-led government following a series of protests by the Gen-Z population in late August. As the nation found itself in a state of flux, the interim government, now under the leadership of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, aims to address the nation’s growing concerns across various sectors.

Prime Minister Karki had initially recommended Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra as the Minister for Health and Population, but her appointment was reconsidered following an investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Reports indicated that Mishra was under investigation, and her name was withdrawn before the finalization of her ministerial position. Sources close to the Prime Minister’s office revealed that Karki would revisit the decision after consulting with relevant authorities.

Jagadish Kharel has already made his first major announcement since taking office as the Minister for Communication, Information, and Technology. His goal is to provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces across the country’s major urban centers. The ambitious project is expected to cover all seven provincial capitals and key cities within the next five months. Kharel believes this will empower the Gen-Z demographic and enhance the efficiency of journalists by ensuring faster transmission of news and information.

He also emphasized that his office would work without interference or pressure, ensuring transparency in the execution of government policies. “We will complete this project within five months,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure in the country.

Dr. Madan Pariyar, who now leads the Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development, shared his determination to address one of the country’s most persistent issues: fertilizer shortages. After taking the oath of office, Pariyar visited the ministry office in Singha Durbar and promised to tackle the recurring issue of inadequate fertilizer supplies, which has been a major obstacle for farmers across the country. In addition, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding fair elections scheduled for Falgun 21, 2026, and mentioned that his top priority would be to collaborate with all stakeholders to resolve ongoing issues within the agricultural sector.

Pariyar also expressed his commitment to solving the problems faced by milk and sugarcane farmers, whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by market imbalances. "My focus will remain on resolving the challenges faced by farmers. Ensuring their welfare is my primary concern," he assured the media.

Mahabir Pun, appointed as the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, took office at the Ministry of Education located in Kesher Mahal. Pun, who is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the country's rural infrastructure, has vowed to bring transformative changes in Nepal’s education system. In his first address to the press, Pun stated that his primary focus would be on fostering innovation and research in the fields of science and technology.

Despite expressing that he was not originally inclined towards politics, Pun shared his resolve to work diligently within the constraints of his role. "I may not have entered politics with a specific agenda, but I am committed to driving change in education, technology, and innovation," he remarked. He further acknowledged that tackling systemic issues like teacher quality and access to educational resources would take time and collective effort.

Pun also remarked that the ministry's priorities would include building advisory committees consisting of experts in space technology, nuclear science, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence to provide strategic guidance for the country’s development in these fields.

Anil Kumar Sinha, the new Minister for Industry and Land Reform, also took office at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. Sinha's first decision was to promote the use of domestically produced furniture across government offices. Under his leadership, the government will prioritize the purchase of furniture made from locally sourced timber, a move aimed at boosting the domestic timber industry and reducing dependency on imports. "We will ensure that all government institutions at the provincial and local levels use only Nepali-made furniture,” he confirmed.

The newly formed cabinet under Prime Minister Sushila Karki has vowed to prioritize urgent reforms and address the pressing issues affecting various sectors. With the focus now firmly on ensuring the success of the upcoming elections and improving critical services like education, agriculture, and communication, the new ministers are expected to usher in a new era of governance that is responsive to the needs of the people.

As Nepal navigates through this transitional period, all eyes are on the government’s ability to fulfill its promises and deliver on its key initiatives. The next few months will be pivotal as the newly appointed ministers set their course for transformative action.