Nepal’s newly elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, has taken swift disciplinary action by removing his Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Dip Kumar Sah just 15 days after assuming office, following allegations of nepotism.
According to the Prime Minister’s secretariat, Sah was accused of using his position to help secure the reappointment of his wife to the Health Insurance Board, despite the expiry of her previous term. The allegation was reviewed by the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), whose leadership reportedly urged immediate action, calling it a misuse of public office.
Following the party’s disciplinary commission recommendation, Prime Minister Shah dismissed the minister on Wednesday, with the decision implemented the following day.
After the dismissal, PM Shah has taken direct charge of the Labour Ministry on an interim basis, according to his press adviser Deepa Dahal.
The controversy also led to action against another minister. RSP president Rabi Lamichhane recommended caution against Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehta for failing to appropriately handle the matter during the reappointment process. Acting on this, the Prime Minister issued a formal warning to the Health Minister, directing stricter oversight in administrative decisions.
The move comes shortly after the new government took office in March amid public demand for transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption reforms, following Gen Z-led protests in Nepal.
Observers say the decision signals that PM Balen Shah’s administration intends to enforce strict ethical standards and zero tolerance for misconduct, even within its own cabinet.
