Kathmandu: Newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation Mahabir Pun officially assumed their roles on Tuesday after taking the oath of office and secrecy.
During a formal ceremony held at the presidential residence, Sheetal Niwas, President Ram Chandra Paudel, administered the oaths to both ministers, marking their formal entry into the current administration.
Home Minister Gurung represents the Rastriya Swatantra Party and is a Member of Parliament elected from Gorkha-1, while Mahabir Pun is an independent lawmaker representing the Myagdi constituency. This appointment marks the second ministerial term for both individuals, although they enter the cabinet under different political circumstances.
Sudhan Gurung’s reappointment as Home Minister follows a period of significant public scrutiny. He had previously held the same portfolio, starting March 26, but resigned on April 21 after his name surfaced in connection with Deepak Bhatta, a businessman under investigation for money laundering. At the time, Gurung stated that he was stepping down to facilitate an impartial investigation and ensure that the legal process remained untainted. After a government-appointed probe committee recently cleared him of any wrongdoing, the path was paved for his return to the ministry.
Mahabir Pun, a celebrated innovator, previously served as the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology in the government led by Sushila Karki, which was formed following the Gen Z protest movement. His inclusion in the current cabinet, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, follows the specific creation of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, a move seen as a strategic effort to integrate scientific research and modern technology into the national development agenda.
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