Nepal PM removes labour minister over alleged misuse of power within 15 days in office

In a swift move signalling a tough stance against misuse of power, Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah (popularly known as Balen) on Thursday dismissed Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Dip Kumar Sah for allegedly using his position to benefit his wife.

The decision came just 15 days after Shah assumed office , reflecting the new government’s promise to maintain transparency and accountability. According to the Prime Minister’s secretariat, Sah was removed following a recommendation from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) after allegations that he played a role in the reappointment of his wife to the Health Insurance Board despite the completion of her previous tenure.

RSP president Rabi Lamichhane reportedly urged the prime minister to take strict action, stating that the move amounted to misuse of public office and violation of ethical standards expected from members of the government.

The party’s central disciplinary commission examined the issue and formally recommended Sah’s removal on Wednesday. Acting on the recommendation, Prime Minister Shah relieved the minister of his duties on Thursday.

Following the dismissal, Prime Minister Shah has taken charge of the Labour Ministry himself for the time being , according to his press adviser Deepa Dahal .

In a related development, the controversy also cast a shadow over the Health Ministry . RSP chief Lamichhane advised that Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehta be cautioned for not addressing the issue with sufficient seriousness when the reappointment process was underway.

Acting on that recommendation, Prime Minister Shah issued a formal warning to Mehta , asking the ministry to exercise greater vigilance in administrative matters.

The swift disciplinary action comes at a politically sensitive moment in Nepal. Shah and the RSP came to power in March , riding a wave of public frustration against traditional political parties. The election followed last year’s dramatic Gen Z-led protests , which demanded generational change, transparency, and a corruption-free government.

By removing a minister within weeks of forming the government, Shah appears keen to reinforce the message that ethical governance and accountability will be central to his administration .

Observers say the move could set the tone for how the new leadership intends to deal with conflicts of interest and misuse of public office in Nepal’s evolving political landscape.