Cabinet asset declarations public, Revealing wealth Differences among Ministers

Kathmandu- The government led by Balen Shah has made public the asset details of its Cabinet members just 17 days after taking office, providing a clearer view of the financial standing of ministers and their families. The disclosures show that while most ministers are financially well-off with investments in land, shares, gold, and bank savings, a few maintain relatively modest assets. This public release is being seen as a significant step toward transparency, especially as previous governments often submitted such details privately without making them public.

Prime Minister Balen Shah has reported NPR 14.6 million in bank savings and identified social media as his main source of income, supported by millions of followers across platforms. He has no property registered in his own name, although his parents hold land assets, while his spouse owns 190 tolas of gold and jewelry described as ancestral property.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has disclosed 89 tolas of gold, land in Dhankuta, and share investments worth over NPR 43 million. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has declared ownership of four houses and apartments in different districts, a bank balance close to NPR 19 million, and significant investments in shares and hydropower, along with outstanding loans.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has listed family-owned property and personal share investments, while Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has reported gold, silver, bank savings, and shares. Law Minister Sobita Gautam has disclosed moderate savings, property under family names, and loans, whereas Women Minister Sita Badi has presented a modest profile that includes savings, gold received during marriage, and livestock such as chickens and a dog. Physical Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal has reported bank savings, gold, silver, and land holdings, while Federal Affairs Minister Pratibha Rawal has disclosed land in Kathmandu and savings largely sourced from her spouse’s income. Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel has revealed more than NPR 200 million worth of combined family property, and Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary has reported comparatively modest assets, including small savings, gold, and livestock.

Although Nepali law requires ministers to submit asset details under anti-corruption provisions, there has been no obligation to make them public, which led many past governments to avoid disclosure. The current government’s decision to release these details reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability. It has also announced plans to investigate the assets of public officials dating back to 1990, signaling a broader effort to strengthen governance and address corruption.