KATHMANDU: Concerns have been raised over the functioning of the Ministry of Home Affairs after the ministry remained without a dedicated minister for around one month, affecting key areas including public security, administrative coordination, disaster management, and service delivery.
The situation emerged after then Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned on April 22, and the ministry has since not received a new political head.
The Home Ministry is considered a highly sensitive and central institution as it is directly linked to internal security, governance, and the operation of the state machinery. The prolonged vacancy in its leadership is being viewed as unusual.
Under the Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Regulations, 2017, the ministry is responsible for 51 major functions, including maintaining law and order, coordinating security agencies, disaster risk reduction and response, immigration and citizenship services, prison management, and local administration.
The ministry also oversees security arrangements for VIPs, critical infrastructure, diplomatic missions, and public spaces. It coordinates district administration offices, manages public holidays and national ceremonies, handles border administration, national identity cards, passports, and the control of criminal activities.
Similarly, policy and administrative coordination of agencies such as the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and prison management also fall under its jurisdiction. During disasters, the ministry leads rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts, making it widely regarded as the government’s “central operational hub.”
Although routine administrative work is being handled by the civil service mechanism, officials say the absence of political leadership has created concerns over policy-level decisions, security strategy, and sensitive governance matters.
Currently, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office has been overseeing the Home Ministry, with the Prime Minister himself taking charge of its responsibilities.
The ministry is also defined as a key coordinating body between federal, provincial, and local governments under Nepal’s federal system, further highlighting the importance of stable leadership at the top.
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