Kathmandu: Concerns are mounting that the performance of the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki could be affected, as the cabinet has not been expanded even after a week. Although there had been plans to finalize new ministers by Saturday and administer the oath on Sunday, the delay has occurred due to a lack of consensus on names.
Karki, who became Prime Minister on Bhadra 27, appointed Rameshore Khanal as Finance Minister, Om Prakash Aryal as Home and Law Minister, and Kulman Ghising as Minister for Energy, Physical Infrastructure, and Urban Development on Bhadra 30. Although she had announced plans to form a small, compact cabinet of nine to eleven members, the expansion has not taken place since then.
According to sources close to the Prime Minister, there are preparations to add five ministers immediately, but she intends to either oversee the Defense and Foreign Ministries herself or appoint ministers through consensus. Karki has stated that priority will be given to independence, inclusivity, and professional expertise in ministerial selection. However, as most names under discussion are former administrators and retired officials, dissatisfaction has grown among youth groups.
The government formed through the Gen-Z movement has a mandate to hold elections within six months, establish commissions against corruption, and carry out structural reforms. But the delay in cabinet expansion has raised concerns about timely implementation of these agendas. The commission to investigate incidents during the movement is also still in limbo.
Members of the Gen-Z groups have demanded youth representation in the cabinet, insisting that at least five ministers should collectively represent all 142 groups.
Political analysts say the government has not yet gained momentum despite receiving an extraordinary mandate. They warn that the delay in cabinet expansion could increase public frustration.
