Nepal Forms New Cabinet Under Prime Minister Balen Shah
KATHMANDU, March 27, 2026 — Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed a new Council of Ministers on the recommendation of Prime Minister Balen Shah, in accordance with Article 76(9) of the Constitution of Nepal.
The newly formed cabinet is led by Prime Minister Shah, who will oversee the portfolios of Defense as well as Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
Key appointments include:
- Dr. Swarnim Wagle as Minister for Finance
- Sudhan Gurung as Minister for Home Affairs
- Shishir Khanal as Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Sunil Lamsal as Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development
- Biraj Bhakta Shrestha as Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation
- Khadka Raj Paudel as Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation
- Sasmita Pokharel as Minister for Education, Science and Technology, and Youth and Sports
- Nisha Mehta as Minister for Health and Population, and Drinking Water
- Dr. Bikram Timilsina as Minister for Communications and Information Technology
- Pratibha Rawal as Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, and Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation
- Sobita Gautam as Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs
- Gita Chaudhary as Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Forests and Environment
- Dipak Kumar Sah as Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security
- Sita Badi as Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shah took the oath of office and secrecy before President Paudel at a special ceremony held at the President’s Office in Kathmandu, in accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution.
Members of the newly appointed cabinet were also sworn in during the same ceremony.
The formation of the new government marks a significant political development in Nepal, as the administration begins its tenure with a broad ministerial lineup covering key sectors including finance, infrastructure, health, and governance.
