KATHMANDU: Two new ministers were sworn in today. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Dr. Sudha Sharma and Bablu Gupta at the President’s Office on Sunday afternoon.
Dr. Sharma will head the Ministry of Health and Population, while Gupta has been appointed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Earlier, the names of four ministers had been sent to the President’s Office for the swearing-in ceremony. However, the names of Ganapati Lal Shrestha and Khagendra Sunar were removed from the list hours before the oath-taking.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki removed Sunar, who was set to be appointed as Minister of Labor and Employment, after concerns emerged regarding his controversial background.
After about a month and a half of the Gen-Z movement, the government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki has been expanded for the third time on Sunday.
Including Prime Minister Karki, the Council of Ministers now has 10 members. Among the current ministers, Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, the senior-most minister, is a retired secretary from the same ministry. Kulman Ghising, an engineer by profession, is the former Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Similarly, Anil Kumar Sinha is a former Supreme Court judge, while the newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Sudha Sharma is a retired secretary from the same ministry. She later worked in UN missions for some time.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal is an advocate by profession, and Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel is a journalist. Mahabir Pun, known for promoting the use of technology and equipment through the National Innovation Center, came to prominence by expanding information technology access in rural Nepal. Agriculture Minister Madan Pariyar has been active in various research and social initiatives.
Bablu Gupta, the new Minister of Youth and Sports, has been active in social work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a clothing bank campaign and distributed free food to those in need. He also founded the “Hundred Group” and continues to run various community programs.
The current composition of the cabinet reflects representation of women, indigenous groups, Dalits, and Madhesi communities. With Gupta’s appointment, Gen-Z activists and Madhesi communities are now represented in the government.
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