1,594 Political Appointees Removed in Sweeping Ordinance
New Delhi: In a dramatic administrative overhaul, Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel has issued an ordinance leading to the immediate removal of 1,594 political appointees. The decision, taken on the recommendation of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has triggered widespread disruption across public institutions.
Ordinance Nullifies All Pre-March 26 Appointments
The newly introduced “Ordinance on Special Provisions Relating to the Removal of Public Officials from Office, 2026” mandates the automatic termination of all appointments made before March 26. The provision applies universally, regardless of tenure, contractual terms, or benefits.
The legal text clearly states that any individual appointed to public office before the specified date will be removed as soon as the ordinance comes into effect, overriding existing laws.
Institutions Left Without Leadership
The sweeping nature of the decision has left several key institutions without leadership. Universities, regulatory authorities, state-owned enterprises, research bodies, councils and media organizations are among those affected.
The sudden vacancies have raised concerns about administrative paralysis, as many of these bodies depend heavily on appointed officials for decision-making and daily operations.
Political Context Behind the Move
The ordinance follows a major political shift in Nepal. The March 5 elections resulted in a decisive victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives.
After assuming office on March 26, Prime Minister Shah’s government has moved swiftly to implement structural changes across sectors. Analysts view the ordinance as part of a broader effort to reset governance and remove remnants of previous administrations.
Concerns Over Governance and Transition
While the government’s intent may be to streamline administration, critics warn that the abrupt removal of such a large number of officials could disrupt institutional functioning. The absence of immediate replacements may slow decision-making and affect public service delivery.
The situation was further shaped by the earlier suspension of a parliamentary session scheduled for April 30, a move that enabled the government to proceed with the ordinance.
As Nepal navigates this transition, attention now turns to how quickly new appointments will be made and whether stability can be restored across its administrative framework.
