In a strategic reshuffle, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah inducted two fresh faces into his cabinet on Friday, addressing longstanding vacancies and streamlining governance. This development comes amid high hopes for the young Rastriya Swatantra Party-led administration.
MP Ramji Yadav, a representative from Saptari-2, steps in as Labor, Employment, and Social Security Minister. He replaces Deepak Kumar Shah, ousted due to allegations of nepotism involving his spouse’s appointment to a key health board position.
Meanwhile, Gauri Kumari Yadav, elected from Mahottari-4, assumes leadership of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies—previously managed by the PM. Both lawmakers rode to victory on RSP tickets in recent polls.
The appointees have not yet formally taken oaths from President Ram Chandra Paudel, but their inclusion brings the cabinet strength to 16 members. This compact size contrasts sharply with bulkier setups of prior regimes.
Shah assumed power on March 27, capitalizing on RSP’s stunning parliamentary dominance with almost two-thirds seats. The party, only two years old, has captivated voters by positioning Shah as its trustworthy face.
Post-formation, the government has aggressively pursued anti-corruption drives, targeting ex-leaders like Oli, Deuba, and Prachanda, plus influential tycoons linked to them. Observers hail this as a refreshing push for transparency.
Looking ahead, these ministerial appointments are expected to accelerate policy implementation in labor rights, job creation, industrial growth, and supply chain stability, bolstering Nepal’s economic recovery efforts.
