Historic new cabinet sworn in under Prime Minister Balendra Shah

Kathmandu – President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and 14 newly appointed ministers on Friday afternoon.

The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal induction of the new Council of Ministers under the restructured government. Five women have been included in the new Cabinet, while several ministries have been merged as part of the government’s restructuring plan.

Swarnim Wagle was sworn in as Minister for Finance, Sudhan Gurung as Minister for Home Affairs, and Shishir Khanal as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Similarly, Sunil Lamsal assumed office as minister for physical infrastructure, transport, and urban development, while Khadkaraj Paudel ‘Ganes’ was appointed minister for culture, tourism, and civil aviation.

Sasmit Pokharel was appointed minister for education, science, technology, youth, and sports, and Bikram Timilsina took an oath as minister for communication and information technology.

Pratibha Rawal was assigned the portfolio of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation.

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha was appointed minister for energy, water resources, and irrigation, while Nisha Mehta was sworn in as minister for health, population, and water resources.

Gita Chaudhary took charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and Forests and the Environment. Sobita Gautam was appointed minister for law, justice, and parliamentary affairs, while Sita Badi assumed office as minister for women, children, and senior citizens.

Dipak Sah was sworn in as minister for labor, employment, and social security.

The formation of the new cabinet is expected to shape the government’s immediate administrative and policy direction following the latest political transition.