Nepal interim PM Karki adds four ministers, health ministry appointment ‘on hold’

Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expanded her cabinet by bringing in four new ministers, while also setting up a commission to investigate the recent student protests that turned violent and claimed dozens of lives.

The swearing-in of the new ministers was held at Shital Niwas, the official residence of President Ram Chandra Paudel, on Monday.

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The appointments come at a sensitive time, just two weeks after the Gen Z uprising that shook the country.

Four new ministers join cabinet

Among the new faces is Anil Kumar Sinha, a former justice, who has been given one of the biggest responsibilities. He will head three major ministries: Industry, Commerce and Supply; Law and Justice; and Land Reforms, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation.

Mahabir Pun, a globally known social innovator and winner of the Magsaysay Award, has been chosen as the Minister for Education and Science and Technology. Pun is the founder of Nepal’s National Innovation Centre and has long been pushing for scientific research and homegrown solutions in Nepal.

The Ministry of Agriculture has gone to Madan Prasad Pariyar, a climate and agriculture expert. Pariyar also leads the Samata Foundation, an organisation working for equality and social justice. He previously played a key role in Nepal’s state restructuring commission during the Constituent Assembly days.

Another surprising but popular appointment is Jagdish Kharel. He is a well-known journalist and editor of Image Channels, who is now the Minister for Information and Communications.

These four join the existing ministers Rameshore Khanal (Finance), Kulman Ghising (Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation), and Om Prakash Aryal (Home Affairs), forming the interim team under Prime Minister Karki.

Health minister appointment put on hold

Meanwhile, the planned appointment of Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra as Health Minister has run into controversy. Dr. Mishra, who had recently resigned from her post as Additional Health Secretary, was recommended by Prime Minister Karki. Preparations had even been made for her swearing-in on Sunday night.

But at the last moment, the oath was postponed after her name was dragged into disputes over past decisions. According to sources in the Prime Minister’s Office, files linked to her tenure as the Director-General of the Department of Health Services are still under investigation. These include complaints related to the purchase of medical equipment.

With these concerns unresolved, Dr. Mishra’s name was suddenly dropped from the list of new ministers. For now, the Health Ministry remains without a permanent head.

Also Read: Nepal announces Rs 1.5mn relief for Gen Z protest martyrs amid historic political shift