Balen Shah Finalizes 15-Member Cabinet; Key Portfolios Assigned
Prime Minister Balen Shah has finalized a 15-member cabinet, assigning key ministries including finance, home, and foreign affairs.
Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah has finalized a 15-member Council of Ministers, marking the formal establishment of a majority-led government and signaling the administration’s initial policy direction.
Dr. Swarnim Wagle has been appointed as Finance Minister, a critical portfolio closely watched by investors and economic stakeholders. Sudan Gurung has taken charge as Home Minister, while Shishir Khanal has been assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The cabinet also includes key appointments across major sectors. Sobita Gautam has been named Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, while Biraj Bhakta Shrestha will lead the Energy Ministry. Amaresh Kumar Singh has been appointed Minister for Industry, and Pratibha Rawal will oversee Federal Affairs and General Administration.
In the agriculture sector, Geeta Chaudhary has been appointed Minister, while Bikram Timilsina will lead the Ministry of Communications. Deepak Shah has been assigned the Labour Ministry, and Sasmita Pokharel will head the Education Ministry.
Khadak Paudel has been appointed Minister for Tourism, Sunil Lamsal will oversee Physical Infrastructure, and Sita Wadi has been given responsibility for Women, Children, and Social Welfare. Nisha Mehta has been appointed Minister for Health and Population.
The formation of the cabinet comes at a time when markets and policy observers are closely monitoring the government’s economic priorities, reform agenda, and governance approach. The inclusion of experienced and diverse figures across portfolios is expected to shape policy execution in the coming months