The government of Nepal has cancelled more than 1,500 political and administrative appointments made prior to March 26 [1].

This move represents a significant effort by the new administration to dismantle established systems of political patronage. By clearing these positions, the government intends to reset the civil service and implement a more transparent selection process for state roles.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah and President Ramchandra Paudel oversaw the issuance of the ordinance on Saturday, May 3, 2026 [2]. The measure targets a wide array of major appointments that were finalized before the March deadline [1].

Officials said the decision is aimed at improving transparency within the government administration [1]. The ordinance allows the state to remove individuals placed in roles through political connections rather than merit, a practice that has long hampered the efficiency of the Kathmandu-based bureaucracy [1].

Because the ordinance was signed by President Paudel, it carries the full weight of executive authority. The removal of over 1,500 officials [1] creates a substantial vacuum in various administrative sectors, which the Prime Minister's office must now fill with candidates meeting the new transparency standards [1].

This administrative sweep follows a period of leadership transition. The government is prioritizing the removal of legacy appointments to ensure that the current administration's policy goals are not obstructed by previous political loyalties [1].

“The government of Nepal has cancelled more than 1,500 political and administrative appointments.”

The mass cancellation of appointments suggests a systemic attempt to decouple the Nepalese civil service from party-based loyalty. By voiding over 1,500 roles, Prime Minister Balendra Shah is signaling a shift toward meritocracy, though the scale of the removals may cause temporary instability in government operations as new personnel are vetted and installed.