Prime Minister Balendra Shah has formed a 15-member Council of Ministers, bringing together a mix of technocrats, first-time lawmakers, and emerging political figures under the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The cabinet was sworn in on Friday at Sheetal Niwas, where President Ram Chandra Poudel administered the oath of office and secrecy.
The new cabinet reflects a strong emphasis on professional backgrounds and relatively new entrants into national politics. Swarnim Wagle has been appointed Finance Minister, drawing on his experience in economic policy. Sudhan Gurung, who gained attention during the Gen Z movement, has taken charge of the Home Ministry, while Shishir Khanal has been assigned Foreign Affairs.
In infrastructure and development, Sunil Lamsal will lead physical infrastructure, transport, and urban development. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has been given the Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation portfolio, while Khadga Raj Paudel will oversee Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
The social sector ministries have also seen new appointments. Sasmita Pokharel has been tasked with education, science, technology, and sports, while Nisha Mehta will handle health, population, and water supply. Sobita Gautam has been appointed Law Minister, and Geeta Chaudhary will lead Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment.
Other members include Deepak Sah in labour and employment; Sita Badi in women, children, and senior citizens; and Pratibha Rawal overseeing federal affairs and poverty alleviation. Bikram Timilsina has been assigned Communications and Information Technology.
With a cabinet dominated by fresh faces, the Shah-led government signals a shift toward a new political generation, as it prepares to take on governance challenges in the days ahead.