Nepal Issues Ordinance Removing 1,594 Political Appointees Across Institutions
Nepal removes 1,594 political appointees under sweeping ordinance issued during Balendra Shah government reforms.
Nepal has witnessed a major administrative shake-up after President Ram Chandra Poudel issued an ordinance leading to the removal of 1,594 political appointees from public positions, triggering widespread changes across key state institutions. The sweeping action is being described as one of the largest bureaucratic restructurings in recent years, affecting universities, state-owned enterprises, regulatory bodies, councils, research institutes, and media organisations.
The ordinance, titled the “Ordinance on Special Provisions Relating to the Removal of Public Officials from Office, 2026,” mandates the automatic termination of all appointments made prior to March 26. According to the official text, the removal applies irrespective of tenure, contractual terms, or associated benefits, effectively resetting leadership positions across multiple government-linked bodies.
The government stated that officials appointed before the specified cut-off date will cease to hold office immediately upon the ordinance coming into force. However, the scale and suddenness of the dismissals have raised concerns among administrative experts about potential disruptions in governance and institutional functioning, particularly in organisations left without immediate replacements or interim leadership structures.
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The move follows recommendations from the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, whose government has initiated a series of structural reforms since taking office after recent political changes in Nepal. Reports indicate that the ordinance was made possible after the suspension of a parliamentary session earlier in April, paving the way for executive action through presidential approval.
Since assuming office, the new administration has undertaken several controversial measures, including large-scale eviction drives in Kathmandu’s riverbank settlements. Authorities justified the action as a crackdown on illegal encroachments, while critics argue that the evictions were carried out without adequate rehabilitation plans, leaving vulnerable families, including women, children, and the elderly, without shelter.
In parallel, the government has intensified investigations into financial crimes, including money laundering cases involving prominent business figures. A revised anti-money laundering framework has also been introduced to strengthen enforcement mechanisms. Officials say the reforms aim to improve transparency and accountability, while critics warn of potential overreach amid ongoing political consolidation.
Despite controversy surrounding some of its decisions, the administration has also drawn support for its push toward digital governance and faster public service delivery. However, the scale of institutional restructuring continues to spark debate over stability, governance continuity, and the long-term impact on Nepal’s administrative framework.
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