New Cabinet Appointments and Strategic Reforms: Nepal's Government Moves Forward Amidst Protests

KalimNews, Kathmandu, September 22, 2025 : Prime Minister Sushila Karki has finalized the appointment of five new ministers to her interim government, as part of a larger strategy to navigate the political turmoil and economic challenges facing Nepal.

The new appointments come shortly after Karki’s announcement of earlier appointments, including Rameshwar Khanal as Finance Minister, Kulman Ghising as Energy Minister, and Om Prakash Aryal as Home Minister. The latest five ministers have been recommended to President Ram Chandra Paudel for formal approval.

In a statement, Prime Minister Karki highlighted the difficulties faced in forming a cabinet that balances professionalism with inclusivity. Despite approaches to various professionals, including renowned figures such as Dr. Sanduk Ruit, Mahabir Pun, and others, many declined for personal or political reasons. Yet, Karki’s new appointments bring a blend of experience, academic expertise, and public service dedication. Here are the five newly recommended ministers and their portfolios:

Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra – Minister of Health

Dr. Mishra, a highly respected figure in Nepal’s health sector, has been appointed the new Minister of Health. Previously an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Mishra has an extensive background in public health, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. She has served as the Director General of the Department of Health Services, the head of Koshi Hospital, and most recently, the head of Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Mishra’s leadership in managing COVID-19 in Koshi Hospital was widely praised, and her work at the maternity hospital further established her as a key figure in Nepal’s healthcare system.

Mahabir Pun – Minister of Education, Science, and Technology

Mahabir Pun, the visionary founder of the National Innovation Center, has been recommended as the new Minister of Education, Science, and Technology. A Ramon Magsaysay Award laureate for his groundbreaking work in connecting rural Nepal to wireless internet, Pun’s focus has always been on advancing technology and education, particularly in underserved regions. His initiative in restoring medical equipment in government hospitals has also been a major achievement. At 70, Pun brings decades of experience in innovation and community development, and his appointment is seen as a move to modernize Nepal’s educational and technological landscape.

Jagdish Kharel – Minister of Communications

Veteran journalist Jagdish Kharel, known for his nearly 20 years of experience in Nepal’s media, has been appointed the new Minister of Communications. As the news head of Image Channel and the host of the popular talk show Hot Seat, Kharel has become a household name for in-depth political analysis. His extensive experience in the media and communications sector will be instrumental as Nepal moves toward a more digital and globally connected future.

Justice Anil Kumar Sinha – Minister of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs

Former Supreme Court Justice Anil Kumar Sinha has been appointed as the Minister of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Known for his expertise in tax and corporate law, Sinha’s judicial career includes landmark rulings, such as the investigation into the misappropriation of government land at Lalita Niwas and his involvement in the impeachment proceedings of the former chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Lokman Singh Karki. His extensive experience in the legal field is expected to bring stability and clarity to Nepal’s legal and judicial processes.

Madan Pariyar – Minister of Agriculture

Madan Pariyar, an academician and former convener of the State Restructuring Commission, has been appointed the Minister of Agriculture. Pariyar’s research on poverty alleviation, inclusion, and governance has earned him recognition both in Nepal and internationally. He holds a doctorate in engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok and has contributed significantly to resource management, agriculture, and rural development. His appointment is seen as crucial for implementing long-term reforms in Nepal's agricultural sector.

Government Actions in Response to Gen Z Uprising

Two weeks after the violent Gen Z protests, the Nepalese government has taken decisive steps to address the aftermath. The Cabinet formed a high-level commission to investigate the violence that led to the deaths of 74 people, with hundreds more injured. The commission, led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, former chair of the Special Court, will probe police misconduct and the destruction of both private and public property during the protests. The panel, which also includes Bigyan Raj Sharma and Bisheshwor Prasad Bhandari, has three months to submit its findings.

During the protests, over 130 injured individuals were hospitalized, and vital state offices were severely damaged. Government buildings were set on fire, leading to significant material losses estimated at hundreds of billions of rupees. The judicial inquiry will investigate all aspects of the unrest, with a focus on accountability for the deaths and property damage.

Strategic Economic Measures and Cabinet Decisions

In light of the destruction caused by the protests, the government has announced several economic measures. A Reconstruction Fund has been established to facilitate the rebuilding process, with contributions allowed from both domestic and international sources. Financial institutions and businesses can donate to the fund with tax deductions available for their contributions.

Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal also highlighted plans to write off destroyed vehicles from official accounts and sell them as scrap. A special committee, coordinated by the Ministry of Urban Development, will oversee this task.

The Cabinet has also decided to halt small-scale projects with a budget less than Rs30 million, as well as put on hold larger projects that were added under political pressure or were not properly entered in the project bank. These measures are expected to save around Rs120 billion, which will be redirected to fast-track essential national infrastructure projects.

Administrative Reshuffles and New Appointments

Several key administrative changes were also announced. Hitendra Dev Shakya, the executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, has been transferred to the Water and Irrigation Commission Secretariat. He will be replaced by Manoj Silwal, who previously served as deputy executive director at the power utility. Additionally, AIG Manoj KC has been appointed as the new chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, where he will continue his investigation into the Bhutanese refugee scam.

Looking Ahead

Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s Cabinet appointments and the government's swift action to address the political unrest are seen as critical steps in stabilizing Nepal's current situation. As the country moves toward elections in March 2026, these appointments, coupled with the ongoing investigation into the protests, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future political and economic landscape of Nepal.