Massive Administrative Purge: 1,594 Political Appointees Axed as Government Issues Termination Ordinance

President Ramchandra Poudel has enacted the “Ordinance on Special Provisions relating to the Termination of Public Office-bearers, 2083” following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers. This administrative decision, led by the government of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, results in the removal of 1,594 officials from their roles in various state-run entities. The sweeping changes affect a wide range of sectors, including media outlets like Nepal Airlines Corporation and Gorkhapatra, regulatory bodies like the Civil Aviation Authority, and various telecommunications and censorship boards.

In the academic sector, officials from nearly all major universities, including Tribhuvan, Kathmandu, and Pokhara University, have been relieved of their duties. The health sector is similarly affected, with leadership changes at the Nepal Medical Council, the Health Insurance Board, and numerous specialized hospitals and research institutes. Additionally, the ordinance targets appointees in key infrastructure and utility roles at the Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Railways, and the Water Corporation. The financial and industrial sectors are also seeing significant turnover, with officials from the Securities Board (SEBON), Employees Provident Fund, and the Investment Board being removed. This broad overhaul extends to agricultural boards, social welfare councils, and various development trusts, signaling a comprehensive restructuring of state institutional leadership.