A dramatic purge has swept through Nepal’s bureaucracy. President Ram Chandra Paudel signed off on an ordinance Saturday, scrapping 1,594 political hires from before March 26 across a wide array of public bodies. Universities, government firms, oversight agencies, councils, boards, research centers, and media outlets are now leaderless, sparking widespread disruption.
Dubbed one of the most sweeping changes in years, the ‘Ordinance on Special Provisions Relating to the Removal of Public Officials from Office, 2026’ cuts through legal red tape. It mandates immediate dismissal of all pre-March 26 appointees, no matter their tenure or perks.
This follows the National Independent Party’s (RSP) landslide victory on March 5, capturing nearly two-thirds of the lower house seats. Balendra Shah, the party’s senior leader, took oath as prime minister on March 26. His cabinet’s push for the ordinance came after Parliament was prorogued on April 30, clearing hurdles for executive action.
Critics worry about the fallout: institutions paralyzed without heads, potentially stalling projects and services. The government promises quick fillings, but urgency is key.
Parallel moves underscore the aggressive agenda. Riverbank evictions in Kathmandu demolished unauthorized settlements, with vows to resettle rightful owners. Anti-corruption drives nabbed tycoons on money laundering charges, bolstered by amendments making prosecutions smoother.
High-profile targets include ex-PMs KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, all facing scrutiny. Supporters cheer the housecleaning; detractors decry potential instability.
Prime Minister Shah’s early tenure signals a no-holds-barred approach to reform. As Nepal navigates this turbulent transition, the balance between renewal and risk hangs in the balance.
