Balen Shah prepares for immediate action: RSP government eyes reform-driven first cabinet meeting

KATHMANDU: Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, is preparing to take swift and decisive action immediately after assuming office as Prime Minister, with plans to make impactful decisions from the very first Cabinet meeting.

Breaking from past tradition—where initial Cabinet meetings have largely been ceremonial—Shah is mobilizing a dedicated team to ensure that the first sitting delivers concrete policy signals aimed at governance reform, administrative restructuring, and public service delivery.

First Cabinet Meeting to Deliver Policy Signals

Shah is scheduled to take the oath of office on March 26 (Chaitra 13). According to party insiders, he is in continuous consultations with RSP President Rabi Lamichhane to finalize a full Cabinet lineup on the same day.

RSP plans to form a lean Cabinet comprising 15 to 18 ministers, aligned with its election manifesto commitments. Leaders say there is no structural constraint preventing the formation of a full Cabinet on day one, given the party’s expected majority position.

“We are preparing to deliver decisions that create immediate public confidence. The first Cabinet meeting will not be symbolic—it will be substantive,” said central committee member Ganesh Parajuli.

Governance Reform at the Core

A key priority for the incoming government is governance reform, with Shah emphasizing evidence-based policymaking grounded in existing government studies and reports.

Party leaders confirmed that multiple administrative reform reports—prepared over the years but largely unimplemented—are currently under detailed review. These include recommendations on bureaucratic restructuring, institutional efficiency, and fiscal discipline.

“We are closely analyzing past government studies to identify where political appointments have weakened institutions,” an RSP leader said. “From governance enforcement to expenditure rationalization, there will be no compromise.”

Review and Possible Removal of Political Appointees

One of the most consequential moves under consideration is the review—and potential removal—of politically appointed across state institutions.

Preliminary internal assessments suggest that over 1,100 political appointees—ranging from constitutional bodies to diplomatic missions—may be subject to replacement. RSP leaders have signaled that controversial appointments made by previous governments will not be continued.

“We will appoint competent and clean individuals. Those currently holding politically influenced positions should voluntarily step aside to facilitate reform,” Parajuli stated.

Digital Governance and National ID Integration

The Shah-led government is also prioritizing digital transformation in public service delivery. A major reform under study is the integration of government services through the National Identity Card system, enabling streamlined, transparent, and efficient service access.

Officials say online systems will be expanded to reduce bureaucratic delays, curb corruption, and improve citizen experience—an area where Nepal has lagged compared to regional peers.

Focus on Livelihood Issues and Public Trust

RSP leaders emphasize that the government’s early decisions will focus on bread-and-butter issues affecting citizens, reflecting commitments made during the election campaign.

“We have a social contract with citizens. Our initial decisions will be guided by urgency and impact,” said party treasurer Lima Adhikari.

Parliamentary Process and Leadership Selection

Following the swearing-in of newly elected lawmakers on March 25 (Chaitra 12), RSP plans to convene a parliamentary party meeting to formally elect Shah as its parliamentary leader—clearing the constitutional pathway for his premiership.

Another key agenda item for the first Cabinet meeting is the implementation of the report from the probe commission formed to investigate the Gen Z movement protests. The issue has gained political traction, and the new government is expected to take a clear stance on accountability and reform measures based on the findings.

A High-Stakes Start

With strong electoral backing and high public expectations, the incoming RSP government faces pressure to translate campaign promises into measurable action from day one.

Shah’s strategy—leveraging existing policy research, enforcing accountability, and signaling administrative overhaul—suggests a governance-first approach aimed at resetting Nepal’s political and economic trajectory.

Whether these early moves can deliver sustained structural change will depend on execution, institutional cooperation, and the government’s ability to balance reform with economic stability.