Kathmandu, Sept 15 (HS): In the backdrop of a political upheaval following mass protests on September 8–9 that toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government, Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday announced a three-member cabinet. Seasoned economist and former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal has been entrusted with the Finance Ministry portfolio.

Karki, the former Chief Justice, inducted Khanal as Finance Minister, Kulman Ghising as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and senior advocate Om Prakash Aryal as Minister for Home and Law. Khanal formally assumed charge today amid the country’s mounting economic and political challenges.

Khanal’s appointment carries particular significance as the Generation-Z-led protests have caused large-scale damage to both public and private property, intensifying pressure on the government to mobilize funds for reconstruction, even as preparations for elections scheduled by March remain underway.

Notably, Khanal had last year chaired a high-level commission on economic reforms set up by the Oli administration, whose recommendations received strong endorsement from analysts and the business community. However, he resigned later due to policy disagreements with the government. His return at such a turbulent juncture is being widely viewed as a critical step towards restoring economic stability.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar