Finance Minister Paudel Orders Another Shake-Up: 90 Branch Officers Transferred
: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has reshuffled 90 branch officers, following last week’s transfer of over 80 senior officials.
Nepal’s Finance Ministry has carried out another sweeping transfer, with 90 branch officers reassigned under the direct approval of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel. The move follows last week’s transfer of more than 80 senior officials, signaling the minister’s continued reshaping of key administrative positions.
According to the ministry, the latest reshuffle affected officials across customs and tax offices. Notably, Ravindra Pyakurel from the Rasuwa customs office was moved to the Internal Revenue Department, while Nirmal Kumar Mainali of the Large Taxpayer Office was reassigned to the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission.
Earlier, Paudel had already replaced several joint secretaries and undersecretaries, including Rajendra Dhungana, who was pulled back from Birgunj Customs to the ministry, with Kajibabu Koirala taking his post.
The minister has also been highly active in changing leadership at the Department of Customs. Within a year, he has replaced four Director Generals. Mahesh Bhattarai, once considered close to Paudel, was removed after just six months in charge and shifted to the ministry’s Economic Policy Division. Shyam Bhandari, formerly heading the Planning and Monitoring Division, has now been promoted to Director General of Customs.
Other changes include:
Janakraj Sharma, transferred to Deputy Director General at the Internal Revenue Department.
Ramesh Aryal, moved from Chief Tax Administrator of the Large Taxpayer Office to Deputy Director General of IRD.
Bharatmani Paudel appointed Deputy DG at Customs.
Tanknath Lamsal sent to Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office.
Observers warn that such frequent reshuffles, particularly within customs and revenue divisions, risk disrupting budget implementation at a critical time.