Kathmandu, Apr. 9
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has relieved
Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dipak Kumar Sah of his
duties on Thursday. The decision was taken in accordance with a recommendation
from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Earlier on Thursday, RSP Chair Rabi
Lamichhane had recommended action against Minister Sah, alleging that he had
misused his official position by involving his wife in regular work as a member
of the long-inactive Health Insurance Board (HIB).
On Wednesday, the party’s Central
Disciplinary Commission, following a detailed study, had concluded that action
should be taken against Sah. Citing that his conduct had seriously undermined
the party’s image, ideals, principles and dignity, Chair Lamichhane forwarded
the recommendation along with the commission’s report to Prime Minister Shah.
Based on the party recommendation, Prime
Minister Shah dismissed Minister Sah, his Press Adviser Deepa Dahal informed.
The RSP said that Clause 25(4)(a) of its
party statute assigns the party chair the responsibility of safeguarding the
party’s ideals, principles and integrity. It further noted that Clause 69
provides for a ‘Right to recall’ in cases of misuse of office, under which the
party may withdraw an individual from their responsibilities.
The recommendation was made to immediately
relieve Minister Sah of his duties accordingly.
PM Shah has kept the portfolio of the
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security with him. With this, he has
the responsibility of three ministries, including Defence, and Industry,
Commerce and Supplies, informed the Office of the President.
Similarly, citing a lack of the expected
seriousness in handling such a grave matter, Chair Lamichhane had also
recommended that Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta be formally
cautioned. Acting on this recommendation, Prime Minister Shah has also issued a
warning to Minister Mehta.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 April 2026.
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