Nepal’s Interim Government Expands Cabinet with Youth-Centric Appointments
Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki took a significant step toward strengthening her interim government on Sunday by expanding her cabinet. The move follows the youth-driven protests last month that led to significant political upheaval. Among the new cabinet appointees are two ministers who are seen as figures with strong connections to the younger generation.
The unrest, which erupted on September 8-9, was ignited by a short-lived ban on social media platforms but was deeply rooted in frustrations over persistent economic challenges and corruption. The violent protests that followed resulted in the downfall of the previous government, with at least 73 lives lost and critical government infrastructure, including the parliament and judiciary buildings, destroyed.
On Sunday, President Ram Chandra Paudel swore in Bablu Gupta as the new Minister for Youth and Sports, and Dr. Sudha Sharma as the Minister for Health and Population. Both individuals had supported the protests and are regarded as influential voices in the ongoing movement.
Gupta, aged 28, is known for his humanitarian efforts through his association with the volunteer group 100’s Group, which works to support disadvantaged communities with initiatives focused on food aid and education. Dr. Sharma, a trained physician and published author, has earned recognition for her leadership in advancing maternal and child health policies.
Both ministers were active supporters of the youth-led protests, showing solidarity with the nation’s youth as they voiced their frustrations over governance and economic conditions.
Karki’s press coordinator, Ram Rawal, indicated that the Prime Minister had proposed additional members to the cabinet, but those appointments were delayed pending further discussions. A source at the president’s office revealed that the cabinet expansion remains a work in progress, as talks with youth representatives are still underway.
Prime Minister Karki, a former chief justice, assumed leadership at the age of 73 following the upheaval, with the primary objective of guiding the country through the transition until the upcoming elections, which are scheduled for March 5. Karki has committed to restoring order and addressing the urgent need for transparent governance in the Himalayan nation, home to a population of 30 million.
– Agencies
