Major Reshuffle in Ministerial Order of Precedence in Balen Shah-led Cabinet

Kathmandu. Eleven days after their appointment, the order of precedence for ministers in the Balen Shah-led cabinet has undergone a significant reshuffle. When the cabinet was formed on Chaitra 13, Home Minister Sudan Gurung held the third position; however, following a revision by President Ramchandra Paudel on Chaitra 24, his rank has been moved to fifth.

Similarly, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle retains his second position, while Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has been moved from fourth to third. Physical Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal, previously ranked fourth, is now sixth, while Energy Minister Birajbhakta Shrestha has moved from sixth to fourth.

Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel has seen his rank drop from seventh to twelfth, and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel has moved from eighth to eleventh.

Health Minister Nisha Mehta has moved from ninth to tenth, while Dr. Bikram Timalsina has shifted from tenth to thirteenth.

Federal Affairs Minister Pratibha Rawal has moved from eleventh to ninth, Law Minister Sobita Gautam from twelfth to seventh, Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary from thirteenth to fourteenth, and Labor Minister Deepak Sah has been moved to the bottom of the list. Sah was previously embroiled in controversy over fraud allegations, though records indicate he was acquitted by the court. He is currently facing further controversy regarding the appointment of his wife to the Health Insurance Board.

Meanwhile, Women and Children Minister Sita Badi, who was previously at the bottom of the list, has been elevated to the eighth position.