KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has adopted a collaborative and learning-oriented leadership style in his first month in office, relying on experienced ministers for guidance while actively helping new members of his Cabinet navigate administrative challenges.
With many ministers assuming office for the first time, the prime minister has been engaging in regular consultations to better understand the complexities of governance. Cabinet members say Shah has been seeking insights from those with prior ministerial experience, particularly in understanding procedures, legal frameworks, and decision-making processes.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, both of whom have previously served in government, have been among those the prime minister frequently consults.
“We are all new in many ways, including the prime minister himself,” a Cabinet member told Khabarhub. “He often asks former ministers about how things functioned before, from Cabinet procedures to handling ministry-level challenges.”
Ministers say PM Shah has also taken a hands-on approach in resolving coordination issues between ministries. From legal bottlenecks to staffing imbalances, he has been directly involved in identifying problems and guiding ministries toward solutions.
According to ministers, informal discussions before Cabinet meetings have become a key feature of this approach. Over tea, ministers discuss cross-ministerial issues and seek quick resolutions, with the prime minister stepping in when necessary.
“He has made inter-ministerial coordination smoother,” Shrestha said. “If there is a deadlock between two ministries, he personally facilitates discussions and helps untangle the issue.”
Officials say Shah has also conducted dedicated sessions to hear concerns from each minister, focusing on legal complications, administrative inefficiencies, and resource constraints. Based on these discussions, ministries have been instructed to address gaps and move forward with clearer direction.
Close coordination with the bureaucracy has been another defining aspect of his leadership. The prime minister has been holding regular consultations with Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal to streamline decision-making and improve administrative efficiency.
Sources say even minor issues are discussed in detail to avoid procedural delays. “There is constant communication between the prime minister and the chief secretary,” a source close to Aryal said. “This has helped create a smoother working environment across ministries.”
Ministers also describe the prime minister as accessible, noting that they can reach him directly during urgent situations or communicate through his secretariat when schedules are tight.
Beyond internal coordination, Shah has also emphasized minimizing external interference in governance. Ministers say access to decision-makers by intermediaries and vested interest groups has been significantly curtailed.
As the government moves forward, Shah’s leadership style—marked by learning, consultation, and active problem-solving—is being seen by insiders as an attempt to balance inexperience with adaptability.
However, how effectively this approach translates into long-term governance outcomes remains to be seen as the administration faces increasing political and public scrutiny.
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