Four New Ministers Sworn in to Strengthen Bagmati Province’s Governance Agenda

Bagmati Chief Minister Shalikram Jammakattel fortified his administration with the induction of four new ministers to his Cabinet on Tuesday, marking a pivotal move towards reinforcing the governance agenda in the province.

Administering the oath of office and secrecy, Province Head Yadav Sharma oversaw the swearing-in ceremony, wherein CPN-UML’s Eka Lal Shrestha, Rameshwor Shrestha, Keshav Prasad Pokharel, and Prakash Shrestha officially assumed their ministerial roles.

Eka Lal Shrestha is entrusted with the critical portfolio of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, while Rameshwor Shrestha will spearhead the Health Ministry, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering public health infrastructure.

Furthermore, Pokharel will take charge as the Minister for Forest and Environment, emphasizing the province’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Meanwhile, Prakash Shrestha’s appointment as the Minister for Industry, Commerce, Land, and Administration underscores the focus on fostering economic growth and effective land management practices.

In a strategic move to broaden representation, Rama Ale Magar of the CPN (Unified Socialist) was also sworn in as a minister without a portfolio, reflecting the government’s inclusivity and commitment to diverse perspectives.

The recent integration of the UML into the Bagmati provincial government, with the induction of Jagannath Thapaliya as the Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, further signifies the coalition’s determination to advance the province’s economic agenda.

However, recent political shifts have posed challenges to the ruling coalition’s stability. Following changes in the central government’s composition and the withdrawal of support from the Nepali Congress and Hamro Nepali Party, the Jammakattel-led government found itself in a minority.

In a proactive response to the evolving political landscape, Jammakattel appointed Shailendraman Bajracharya, a member of the Hamro Nepali Party, as the provincial minister for culture, tourism, and cooperatives. This strategic maneuver aims to regain majority support in the assembly and reaffirm the government’s commitment to collaboration and effective governance.

With these latest appointments, the Bagmati provincial government demonstrates its resolve to navigate challenges, foster unity, and pursue an inclusive governance agenda that prioritizes the welfare and development of all citizens.