KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has recommended five individuals for ministerial appointments to President Ram Chandra Paudel, with the oath-taking ceremony expected to take place today, according to the Office of the President.
Following extensive discussions on Sunday evening, the Prime Minister proposed the names of Anil Kumar Sinha, Jagdish Kharel, Dr. Sangita Mishra, Mahabir Pun, and Dr. Madan Pariyar for inclusion in her cabinet.
However, Prime Minister Sushila Karki is reconsidering the nomination of Dr. Mishra, according to a source close to her. “The Prime Minister has indicated that Dr. Mishra’s name should be reconsidered,” the source said, adding that there is a possibility the appointment may be postponed.
Former Supreme Court judge Anil Kumar Sinha has been nominated to head three ministries: Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation; Industry, Commerce and Supplies; and Law, the latter of which had been temporarily overseen by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal.
Dr. Sangita Mishra, who recently served as an Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Health, has been recommended for the post of Minister of Health. She resigned from her bureaucratic role on Sunday following confirmation of her appointment.
Journalist Jagdish Kharel has been proposed as the Minister for Communications and Information Technology. Kharel, who previously served as the news chief of Image TV, has more than two decades of experience in journalism. He holds a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Tribhuvan University and is currently pursuing a PhD in international relations and diplomacy.
Agricultural expert Dr. Madan Pariyar, a former coordinator of the State Restructuring Commission, has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Livestock.
Renowned innovator Mahabir Pun has been recommended for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Pun is the founder of the National Innovation Center and a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his pioneering work in expanding wireless internet access in Nepal’s rural regions. He is currently leading efforts to revitalize a defunct agricultural tools factory in Birgunj into a hub for innovation and technology development.
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