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Nepal PM Balen Shah sacks Labour Minister over wife's board appointment

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah has dismissed Labour Minister Deepak Kumar Sah from the cabinet following a recommendation from his party. The removal comes after the party's disciplinary commission found Sah guilty of misusing his office to continue his wife, Junu Shrestha, as a member of the Health Insurance Board. Party chair Rabi Lamichhane stated the action was necessary as it had damaged the party's image and integrity. In the same letter, Lamichhane also recommended a warning for Health Minister Nisha Mehta for not taking the matter seriously.

Key Points: Nepal PM Fires Minister for Disciplinary Breach

  • Minister sacked for disciplinary breach
  • Misused office for wife's appointment
  • Action based on party commission report
  • Health Minister also warned
  • Breach of party code of conduct
2 min read

Nepal PM Balen Shah sacks Labour Minister over disciplinary breach

PM Balendra Shah sacks Labour Minister Deepak Kumar Sah after party finds him guilty of misusing office to appoint his wife to a health board.

"the move had undermined the party's image, principles, and integrity, and warranted immediate action - Rabi Lamichhane"

Kathmandu, April 9

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday sacked Deepak Kumar Sah, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, on disciplinary charges upon recommendation from his party.

Nom de guerre Balen, the Nepali Prime Minister, sacked the member of his cabinet upon receiving a formal letter from party chair Rabi Lamichhane, based on findings of the party's central disciplinary commission.

The prime minister's secretariat said Sah was removed after the party found him in breach of its code of conduct and discipline.

According to the commission's study, Sah misused his office to continue his wife, Junu Shrestha, as a member of the Health Insurance Board, a position which had remained largely inactive for a long time. The commission had submitted its report to the party on Wednesday, recommending action.

Lamichhane, in his letter to the prime minister, said the move had undermined the party's image, principles, and integrity, and warranted immediate action.

Citing provisions in the party statute, the RSP said its chair is mandated under Clause 25 (4) (a) to safeguard the party's values, while Clause 69 allows the party to recall individuals from responsibility in cases of misuse of office. Acting on the recommendation, the prime minister removed Sah from office.

In the same letter, Lamichhane also recommended a warning against Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta for failing to take the matter seriously.

Sah was appointed to the post on March 28. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Mahottari-2 in the House of Representatives elections held on March 5. In recent days, he had also been demoted to the lowest rank within the Council of Ministers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Appointing family to inactive posts is such a common problem in South Asian politics. Glad to see a party actually using its disciplinary commission. Hope our politicians in India are watching. The minister lasted barely two weeks!
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Aman W
While the action is commendable, the timing feels political. He was just appointed on March 28! Was there no vetting before? This looks like internal party drama playing out in public. Still, better late than never.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the party chair's letter had so much power. Clause 69 allowing recall for misuse of office seems effective. Nepal's political dynamics are always so complex, but this is a positive step for governance.
K
Karthik V
The Health Minister also got a warning? So she knew about the inactive board position and did nothing? The whole episode shows systemic issues. Hope this leads to real reform in their system. Jai Hind.
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Nisha Z
As an Indian, I respect this action. It strengthens democracy in our region. Strong, stable neighbours are good for India too. Balen Shah is showing leadership. More power to him.

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