KATHMANDU, April 9: Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday removed Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dipak Kumar Sah from office, acting on a recommendation from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane had earlier in the day urged the prime minister to take action against Sah, accusing him of abusing his position by appointing his wife—who had long remained inactive—as a member of the Health Insurance Board and involving her in official duties.
The recommendation followed a report submitted on Wednesday by the party’s Central Disciplinary Commission, which conducted a detailed inquiry into the issue. The report concluded that Sah’s actions had caused serious damage to the party’s image, principles and integrity. Lamichhane subsequently forwarded the report to the prime minister, seeking Sah’s removal.
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Prime Minister Shah acted on the recommendation, according to his press aide Deepa Dahal.
The RSP said its statute empowers the party chair to safeguard its ideals and take action in cases that undermine its integrity. It also cited provisions allowing the party to recall individuals from public office in cases of misuse of authority.
Separately, Lamichhane had recommended that Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta be cautioned for not demonstrating adequate seriousness in handling the issue. Acting on this recommendation, the prime minister has issued a warning to Mehta.
