Stakeholders welcome PM’s outreach, but experts question absence of line ministers

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has engaged in marathon consultations with business leaders and other stakeholders in an apparent bid to restore confidence in his administration, which is struggling to convince the private sector of its ability to deliver economic reforms. The outreach comes after the government completed its first 100 days in office on July 4.

While attendees widely welcomed the prime minister's willingness to listen to their concerns and promise solutions, the meetings have also prompted questions regarding the absence of responsible ministers. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal were notably absent from discussions relevant to their portfolios.

Only a handful of meetings included the relevant ministers, such as Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel and Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Khadak Raj Paudel. The government, formed on March 27, has claimed it laid the foundation for good governance and initiated reforms, but economic indicators remain weak and business confidence has declined. This backdrop has led the prime minister to personally lead the outreach efforts.

Officials and governance experts express concern that the ministers' absence risks creating uncertainty over responsibility and decision-making, as commitments made during these meetings require implementation through line ministries. However, former chief secretary Bimal Koirala downplayed these concerns, stating that the prime minister, as head of government, has the authority to hear grievances directly and steer solutions, emphasizing that problem-solving is the priority.

“

Whether the knife falls on the apple or the apple falls on the knife, it is the apple that gets cut. The important thing is solving the problem.