The Council of Ministers (), also known as the Federal Executive, is the highest executive body of the federal government of Nepal. It serves as the central decision-making organ responsible for formulating and implementing national policies, administering the country, and directing the federal bureaucracy. The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers and holds the real executive authority in Nepal's parliamentary system.
Since 27 March 2026, the Council of Ministers has been led by Prime Minister Balen Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
Formation According to the Constitution of Nepal, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President of Nepal. The President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Nepal forms a council of ministers consisting of members not exceeding twenty five in number from among the members of the federal parliament on the basis of the principle of inclusion.
Constitutional Basis Under the Constitution of Nepal (Part 7: Federal Executive), executive power is vested in the Council of Ministers. The President (head of state) formally appoints the Prime Minister and, on the Prime Minister's recommendation, other members of the Council. The Council operates on the principles of collective responsibility and political inclusion.
Removal According to the Constitution of Nepal, the minister ceases to hold office by: tendering resignation in writing to the Prime Minister, removal by the Prime Minister, vacancy in the office of Prime Minister, or, death.
Oath of Office And Secrecy Members of the Council of Ministers of Nepal are required to take an oath of office and secrecy before the President prior to assuming their duties, in accordance with Part 7 Article 80 of the Constitution of Nepal. The form and wording of the oath are prescribed by the Act Relating to oath, 2079.
Note: The above English text is an unofficial translation and is a direct rendering of the original Nepali version as provided in the Act Relating to Oath, 2079. In case of any inconsistency, the Nepali version shall prevail.
Key Roles and Powers Policy Making & Administration: The Council directs all federal executive functions, implements laws passed by Parliament, manages the national budget, and oversees foreign policy, security, and development programmes. Collective Responsibility: The Council is collectively responsible to the Federal Parliament, particularly the House of Representatives. It must maintain the confidence of the lower house to remain in power. Decision Making: Major decisions are taken in cabinet meetings chaired by the Prime Minister.
The Council operates from Singha Durbar in Kathmandu, the main government complex.
Current Council of Ministers The list of ministers is as follows: Balen Shah CabinetMinister Portfolio Office(s) Took office Prime MinisterBalen Shah Prime Minister of NepalOffice of the Prime Minister and Council of MinistersMinister of DefenceMinistry of Defence MinisterDr. Swarnim WagleMinister of FinanceMinistry of Finance27 March 2026Shishir KhanalMinister of Foreign AffairsMinistry of Foreign Affairs27 March 2026Biraj Bhakta ShresthaMinister of Energy, Water Resources and IrrigationMinistry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation27 March 2026Sudan GurungMinister of Home AffairsMinistry of Home Affairs9 June 2026Sunil Lamsal Minister of Infrastructure DevelopmentMinistry of Infrastructure Development27 March 2026Sobita GautamMinister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary AffairsMinistry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs27 March 2026Mahabir PunMinister of Science, Technology and InnovationMinistry of Science, Technology and Innovation9 June 2026Sita Badi Minister of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social SecurityMinistry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security27 March 2026Pratibha RawalMinister of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General AdministrationMinistry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration27 March 2026Nisha Mehta Minister of Health and Food SafetyMinistry of Health and Food Safety27 March 2026Sasmit PokharelMinister of Education and SportsMinistry of Education and Sports27 March 2026Khadak Raj Paudel Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil AviationMinistry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation27 March 2026Dr. Bikram TimilsinaMinister of Information and CommunicationMinistry of Information and Communication27 March 2026Geeta Chaudhary Minister of Agriculture, Forests and EnvironmentMinistry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment27 March 2026Ramjee Yadav Minister of Youth, Labour and EmploymentMinistry of Youth, Labour and Employment10 April 2026Deepak Kumar SahMinister of Industry, Commerce and SuppliesMinistry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies10 September 2026Source: Office of the Prime Minister & Council of Ministers
History The modern Council of Ministers traces its roots to the 1951 democratic revolution that ended the Rana regime. Nepal has since transitioned through various political systems, from absolute monarchy to multiparty democracy and finally to a federal republic in 2008. The current framework was established by the Constitution of Nepal, which introduced a federal structure with three tiers of government.
References
External links Official website