Industry Minister Sinha Prioritizes Local Products in Post-Protest Rebuilding

Newly appointed Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha, a former Supreme Court justice, began his tenure on Monday by pledging to rebuild structures damaged during the Gen-Z demonstrations using domestic materials. Sinha took the decision immediately after taking the oath of office and secrecy at Shital Niwas and assuming charge at Singh Durbar, the government’s administrative block which is being restored after arson and vandalism during the protest on September 9.

He said the government would prioritize local products in reconstruction even if they cost more, arguing that the approach would support enterprise development and job creation.

“The main objective is to provide employment opportunities to the families of those injured and martyred and to manage the skills of the youth so they stay in the country,” Sinha told reporters. He added that the interim government’s foremost responsibility is to hold free and fair elections and smoothly transfer power to an elected administration.

Education Minister Pun forms high-tech advisory panels

Education, Science, and Technology Minister Mahabir Pun—a 2007 Magsaysay Award winner known for bringing wireless internet to Nepal’s remote regions—announced the creation of four advisory committees on space technology, nuclear technology, biotechnology, and information technology/AI. Pun made the move within hours of taking the oath and assuming office, with details of committee membership to follow.

Agriculture Minister Pariyar sets Nepal-Korea farm research in motion

Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Dr Madan Prasad Pariyar, an agricultural expert, quickly proposed forming a coordination committee to implement a Nepal-Korea agreement on potato and rice research. Speaking after taking the oath and office on Monday, Pariyar also vowed administrative reform and tighter management in the agriculture sector.

 

Communications Minister Kharel promises free public Wi-Fi in 10 cities

Newly appointed Communications and Information Technology Minister Jagdish Kharel, a veteran broadcast journalist, made free public Wi-Fi his first priority. Soon after taking his oath and assuming charge, Kharel announced plans to provide free Wi-Fi in public areas of 10 cities, including Kathmandu, within five months.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday inducted the four ministers into her interim cabinet, which is tasked with conducting the House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026.

Prime Minister Karki, who became Nepal’s first female premier on September 12 after the Gen-Z demonstrations toppled the KP Sharma Oli government, had earlier inducted three ministers—Rameshore Khanal (Finance), Kulman Ghising (Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development), and Om Prakash Aryal (Home Affairs).

With Monday’s addition of Anil Kumar Sinha, Mahabir Pun, Madan Prasad Pariyar, and Jagdish Kharel, Karki’s interim cabinet has now expanded to eight members, including the prime minister herself.