Nepal PM Balen Shah Revises Cabinet Hierarchy, No Change in Portfolios

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has revised the hierarchy of his Council of Ministers, reshuffling the order of precedence within the Cabinet less than two weeks after its formation. The move does not involve any change in ministerial portfolios but alters the ranking of ministers based on seniority and protocol.

According to an official release, the revision applies to the Cabinet formed on March 27 on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, in line with Article 76(9) of the Constitution of Nepal. The adjustment focuses solely on the sequence in which ministers are placed, a factor that can influence protocol, decision-making dynamics, and administrative coordination.

In the updated hierarchy, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has been elevated to the second position, immediately after the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has dropped from third to fifth place. He is now ranked after Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha.

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The 15-member Cabinet also places Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Deepak Kumar Sah at the 15th position, reflecting the revised order of precedence. While largely procedural, such reshuffles are often seen as signals of internal alignment and administrative priorities within a new government.

Shah, popularly known as “Balen,” was sworn in as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister earlier in March by President Ramchandra Paudel under Article 76(1) of the Constitution. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut.

The Cabinet revision comes at a time when Nepal continues to navigate political and social challenges, including the aftermath of last year’s youth-led protests. While the reshuffle is administrative in nature, it is expected to shape the functioning and coordination of the government in the coming months.

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