Balendra Shah sworn in as 46th Prime Minister of Nepal, new cabinet takes oath

March 27, Kathmandu: Balendra Shah has taken the oath of office and secrecy as the 46th Prime Minister of Nepal, marking his transition from a popular independent mayor to the country’s top executive role. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath to him at a ceremony held at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas.

Following this, the newly appointed ministers also took the oath of office and secrecy.

Prime Minister Shah has retained the Defence and Industry portfolios. Second in the cabinet hierarchy, Swarnim Wagle has been appointed Finance Minister, while third-ranked Sudhan Gurung has been assigned the Home Ministry.

Similarly, Shishir Khanal has been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sunil Lamsal as Minister for Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development, and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Khadka Raj Paudel has taken charge as Minister for Tourism, Culuture, Civil Aviation, while Sasmit Pokharel has been assigned the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as well as Youth and Sports.

Nisha Mehta has been appointed Minister for Health and Population, and Bikram Timilsina as Minister for Communication and Information Technology.

Pratibha Rawal has been assigned the General Administration Ministry, Dipak Sah the Labour Ministry, Sobita Gautam the Law Ministry, and Sita Badi the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs.

The oath-taking ceremony also featured Swastivachan, meaning Hindu Vedic chants by Batuks (young priests), and Mangalavachan, meaning chanting of auspicious mantras by Buddhist Vicchus and Lamas.