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🇳🇵 Nepal /Elections & Politics

Nepal's New Government Dismisses Over 1,200 Officials Appointed Before March 26

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nepal's new government has enacted a sweeping administrative overhaul by issuing an ordinance that automatically terminates over 1,200 appointments made before March 26.
  • This move has caused significant disruption across various public institutions, including universities, state-owned enterprises, and healthcare bodies, leaving many without leadership.
  • The government has not yet clarified the timeline or process for new appointments, raising concerns about further operational disruptions and the clarity of replacement procedures.

The recent "ordinance on special provisions relating to the removal of public officials from office, 2026" has sent shockwaves through Nepal's administrative landscape. Issued by President Ramchandra Paudel, this decree has led to the dismissal of over 1,200 officials across numerous public entities, a move described as one of the most extensive administrative purges in recent memory. The ordinance's mandate is stark: all appointments made before March 26 are nullified, irrespective of the officials' tenure, benefits, or the terms under which they were appointed.

This drastic action follows the March 5 elections, which saw the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secure a commanding majority. The immediate aftermath has been widespread disruption, with key institutions like Tribhuvan University, the Nepal Electricity Authority, and the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences facing a critical leadership vacuum. The lack of authorized decision-makers is expected to cripple routine operations, particularly in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and public service delivery.

Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in prevailing laws, public officials appointed and currently holding office in public entities as per the schedule prior to March 26 shall be automatically removed from their respective positions upon the commencement of this ordinance.

— The OrdinanceThis quote directly states the core provision of the ordinance that mandates the automatic termination of appointments made before March 26.

Compounding the uncertainty, the government has yet to provide a clear roadmap for filling the vacated positions. While an amendment ordinance has been sent for review, it reportedly does not fully address the appointment process for all affected entities. Officials within the president's office have voiced concerns about the ambiguity surrounding appointment provisions and the potential need for further ordinances. This situation, stemming from a political shift, leaves many public institutions in a state of limbo, awaiting direction on how and when leadership will be restored.

The appointment provisions for officials removed under the 110 laws are not entirely clear. Another ordinance may be required to complete the process.

— An official at the president's officeThis quote highlights the ambiguity and potential procedural gaps in the government's plan for replacing the dismissed officials.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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