Kathmandu, April 9

Prime Minister Balen Shah on Thursday removed Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Deepak Kumar Sah from office.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party had recommended his dismissal, citing misuse of authority.

Party President Rabi Lamichhane wrote to the Prime Minister, urging that Sah be relieved of his responsibilities. In the letter, Lamichhane referred to provisions in the party statute that authorise action against officials who undermine party principles or misuse their position.

The letter stated that the party has the authority to recall individuals from their responsibilities if they are found to have abused their office. It also recommended that Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehta be cautioned for not demonstrating the expected level of responsibility on a serious matter.

The party accused Sah of misusing his official position to facilitate the appointment of his spouse as a member of the Health Insurance Board, a body that had reportedly remained inactive for a long time.

According to Lamichhane, the party’s disciplinary committee also concluded that the minister had acted in violation of official conduct and responsibilities.