Nepal PM Balen Shah Cancels Over 1,500 Appointments, Major Shake-Up in Government Bodies

In a major administrative move, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah has scrapped more than 1,500 political appointments across the country. The decision, described by the government as a reform measure, has triggered a nationwide debate, with the opposition raising serious concerns.

The action follows an ordinance approved by President Ram Chandra Paudel, issued on the recommendation of the Cabinet. The ordinance nullifies all political appointments made before March 26, prior to the recent leadership change in Nepal.

As soon as the ordinance was published in the official gazette, around 1,594 officials holding positions in nearly 150 government and public institutions were removed with immediate effect. These included appointments made under previous governments led by K P Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and others.

Wide Impact Across Key Institutions

The ordinance has impacted several major institutions, including Nepal Electricity Authority, Tribhuvan University, B P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal Airlines, and Gorkhapatra Corporation.

The government reportedly amended around 110 different laws to implement this sweeping decision. According to the ordinance, all previously appointed officials—regardless of tenure or service conditions—stand automatically relieved of their duties.

Top officials, including vice-chancellors, registrars, and senior administrators from leading universities such as Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Lumbini Buddhist University, and others have also been removed.

Healthcare and Other Sectors Affected

The impact extends to the healthcare sector as well, where key administrative positions in government medical colleges—such as vice-chancellors, rectors, registrars, and hospital directors—have been vacated.

Additionally, major bodies like the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, and the Press Council Nepal have also been affected by the move.

Debate Intensifies, Concerns Over Governance

While the government is presenting this as a bold step toward administrative reform, critics argue it could disrupt governance. With many key positions now vacant, there are concerns about the functioning of education, healthcare, and public services due to the absence of authorized officials.

So far, the government has not provided a clear timeline or process for fresh appointments, adding to uncertainty about how quickly the administrative vacuum will be filled.