Nepal government fires officials, then forgets to replace them, causing paralysis

Kathmandu's administration, led by Balendra Shah, has created widespread administrative paralysis by dismissing nearly 1,600 political appointees without subsequent replacements. This move has left crucial state agencies crippled, lacking the necessary personnel for decision-making and even basic operational functions like signing documents.

The ruling coalition, holding a significant majority in the House of Representatives, possesses the authority to address this crisis but has remained inactive. This inaction has led to systemic dysfunction, with vital constitutional bodies operating with significantly reduced capacity or remaining entirely vacant. The Constitutional Council, despite regaining a full roster with the Chief Justice's appointment, has failed to convene even once to address the numerous vacancies across key commissions.

Ironically, an ordinance was fast-tracked to lower quorum rules and bypass political hurdles for appointments. However, the delay in filling these positions suggests that constitutional bodies are not a priority for the current government. This has resulted in a leadership vacuum across state institutions, including the Election Commission and the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, severely impacting their ability to perform essential functions like calculating expenditure splits or capping borrowing limits.

The institutional crisis has translated into a human one, affecting education and healthcare. Universities are hobbled, leaving students in bureaucratic limbo without authorized signatures for graduation or certificates. Healthcare institutions face leadership vacuums, a situation described as reckless. The government's prioritization of a political purge over public welfare and its selective use of executive power undermine constitutional principles and create a perception that appointments are merely tools for political expediency.