Raghuji Pant appointed Education Minister, dismisses State Minister Tamang

Kathmandu / April 23: The CPN-UML has appointed Raghuji Pant as the new Minister of Education. He is set to take the oath of office and secrecy on Thursday.

The position became vacant after Bidhya Bhattarai resigned on Monday amid nationwide protests by school teachers. Teachers have been demanding reforms to the Education Act, improved working conditions, and greater job security. Facing mounting pressure and criticism over the government’s handling of the protests, Bhattarai stepped down, leading to a reshuffle in the cabinet.

According to a source at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pant’s appointment has already been finalized. He will formally assume office following Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony.

Prime Minister Oli meanwhile dismissed Purna Bahadur (Kanchha Ram) Tamang, the minister of State for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation from the position.

The decision comes after Tamang reportedly refused to apologise for his remarks criticising the removal of former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) chief Kulman Ghising.

Tamang had publicly voiced dissatisfaction over Ghising’s removal and demanded accountability within the ministry. His clash with secretary of the ministry Suresh Acharya over a programme boycott escalated tensions. Tamang had even issued a 24-hour clarification notice to the secretary.

The prime minister, reportedly displeased by this, relieved him of his duties on Wednesday.

Tamang was appointed to the position on August 2 last year. His dismissal follows a series of disputes that highlighted growing friction within the ministry amid ongoing discussions about the Arun-3 hydropower project and broader energy cooperation with India.