Nepal Government to Pay Salaries Twice a Month to Employees Nepal’s new Balendra Shah government has announced a significant policy change, implementing a bi-monthly salary payment system for government employees. Under the new rules, civil servants, police officers, and other public sector workers will receive their wages every 15 days instead of once a month. This decision, effective from April 17, 2026, aims to stimulate economic activity by encouraging increased consumer spending. The government claims the move is part of broader efforts to revive the economy, which has faced challenges in recent years. Officials stated that distributing salaries twice a month will provide employees with more liquidity, enabling them to spend more in the market. This, in turn, is expected to boost local businesses and stabilize the financial sector. The policy was approved by the Balendra Shah administration, which has been working to address economic stagnation and improve public services. According to media reports, the decision was made to align with the government’s goal of fostering economic recovery. The new system will apply to all categories of government employees, including those in the civil service, law enforcement, and administrative roles. The implementation of the policy has been welcomed by authorities overseeing public sector wages. A representative from the Federation of Civil Service Employees (FCGO) confirmed that there are no legal barriers to enforcing the new schedule. The organization emphasized that the government’s decision to distribute salaries bi-monthly is a practical step that can be executed without complications. Under Nepal’s constitution, government employees are traditionally paid once a month.#balendra_shah #nepal_government #federation_of_civil_service_employees #public_sector_workers #civil_service
Former Nepal PM Oli, ex-Home Minister Lekhak arrested over Gen Z protest killings Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on charges of negligent killings during the Gen Z protests in September 2025, according to police. The arrests followed formal complaints filed by the Home Ministry and were linked to the recommendations of a probe commission that investigated the incidents during the uprising. The probe commission’s report, which was leaked to the media before the swearing-in of the new government, outlined findings that led to the arrests. The protests, which erupted in late 2025, resulted in 76 deaths, including 19 fatalities from police firing on September 8. The new government, led by Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was sworn in six months after the protests. Shah, who won a landslide victory in the March 5 elections, appointed Sudhan Gurung as Home Minister. Gurung, a prominent figure during the Gen Z protests, filed a complaint against Oli and Lekhak in October 2025, prompting the implementation of the probe commission’s recommendations. Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Gundu, while Lekhak was arrested in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur. The arrests were announced a day after the Shah government’s formation, with the Cabinet’s first meeting on March 27, 2026, deciding to act on the commission’s findings. Sasmit Pokharel, the newly appointed Education Minister and government spokesperson, confirmed that relevant agencies were directed to follow the recommendations. Home Minister Gurung had held late-night consultations with the heads of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force before the arrests. If found guilty, Oli, Lekhak, and Gurung could face up to 10 years in prison.#rastriya_swatantra_party #balendra_shah #former_nepal_pm_oli #former_home_minister_lekhak #gen_z_protests
Nepal's Youngest Prime Minister Balendra Shah Sworn In After Landslide Victory Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, has been sworn in as Nepal’s youngest prime minister following a decisive electoral victory. His win marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first leader from the Madhes region to hold the nation’s top executive position. The announcement came amid widespread celebrations, with supporters hailing his rise as a symbol of youthful energy and political transformation. Shah’s political career has been shaped by his background in music and activism, which he leveraged to galvanize support across Nepal’s diverse communities. His campaign focused on economic reform, youth empowerment, and addressing longstanding regional disparities, particularly in the Madhes region, which has long sought greater representation in national governance. The election results reflect a broad coalition of voters drawn to his vision of modernizing Nepal’s political landscape. The swearing-in ceremony took place on March 27, 2026, in the capital, Kathmandu. Shah’s victory is seen as a reflection of shifting political dynamics in the country, where younger leaders are increasingly challenging traditional power structures. Analysts note that his background as a musician and social commentator has allowed him to connect with a generation disillusioned by older political elites. Shah’s leadership will face immediate challenges, including navigating complex ethnic tensions and economic pressures. However, his supporters argue that his fresh perspective and ability to mobilize grassroots support position him as a transformative figure in Nepal’s political history. The nation now watches closely as he begins his tenure, with expectations of bold reforms and renewed focus on regional development.#nepal #balendra_shah #kathmandu #madhes_region #youth_movement
Balendra Shah Sworn In As Nepal's Youngest Prime Minister Nepal’s youngest prime minister, Balendra Shah, took the oath of office on Friday, March 27, 2026, following his party’s decisive victory in parliamentary elections held earlier that month. His Rastriya Swatantra Party secured nearly two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, marking a significant political shift in the Himalayan nation. The swearing-in ceremony took place at 12:34 p.m., coinciding with the celebration of Ram Navami, a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. Shah, a structural engineer and former rapper who previously served as Kathmandu’s mayor, was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel. His rise to prominence was closely tied to the youth-led uprising that toppled the previous government in September 2025. Though he did not actively participate in the protests, Shah publicly endorsed the movement, which was driven by Generation Z activists and resulted in widespread unrest, leaving dozens of casualties. His leadership during the crisis positioned him as a key figure in Nepal’s political landscape. The election results reflect a broader shift in public sentiment, with Shah’s party capitalizing on the momentum generated by the protests. The party’s victory underscores the growing influence of younger generations in shaping Nepal’s governance. Shah’s appointment as prime minister marks a pivotal moment in the country’s history, as he now faces the challenge of addressing economic reforms, social issues, and regional dynamics. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Shah, emphasizing the importance of strengthening India-Nepal ties.#nepal #rastriya_swatantra_party #balendra_shah #kathmandu #ram_chandra_paudel
PM Modi congratulates Nepal Government, people for successful polls Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the people and government of Nepal for conducting the country’s general elections successfully, calling the milestone a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey. Modi highlighted the peaceful nature of the polls and praised the citizens for exercising their democratic rights, emphasizing India’s unwavering support for Nepal’s progress. The elections, held amid domestic challenges and regional geopolitical dynamics, marked Nepal’s first general elections since the violent Gen Z protests of the previous year. The results indicated a significant shift in political power, with rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging as a dominant force. The RSP, formed in 2022 by Ravi Lamichhane, secured 39 of the 50 seats declared so far, including a complete sweep in 10 constituencies of Kathmandu district. The party is also leading in 80 other constituencies, according to the Election Commission of Nepal. Shah, projected as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate, launched its first election campaign in Janakpur, Madhesh, signaling a new phase in Nepal’s political landscape. The RSP’s rise challenges the traditional dominance of established political parties, reflecting a growing public appetite for change. Modi’s remarks underscored India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nepal, framing the elections as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in areas such as peace, prosperity, and regional stability. The outcome of the polls is expected to reshape Nepal’s political direction, with the RSP’s success highlighting the influence of younger generations in reshaping the nation’s governance.#rastriya_swatantra_party #balendra_shah #prime_minister_narendra_modi #nepal_government #election_commission_of_nepal
Tale Of Two Protests: How Balen Shah Trumped In Nepal, But Bangladesh's Students' Party Failed The protests in Bangladesh and Nepal, two nations separated by the narrow Siliguri corridor, shared a common objective: dismantling the existing political system. However, the outcomes diverged sharply, with Nepal witnessing a surge in support for an outsider while Bangladesh’s student-led movement failed to translate its revolutionary energy into electoral success. In Nepal, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised for a sweeping victory in the country’s first general elections since the Gen Z-led protests. This marks a significant shift, as established political parties have been sidelined. Shah, 35, rose to prominence through his music critiquing social and political corruption, and his campaign has resonated with young voters. His refusal to take the prime minister’s post during the protests further solidified his image as an authentic alternative to traditional politicians. In contrast, Bangladesh’s student movement, which ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, struggled to create a viable political force. The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), led by student activists, failed to gain traction in the subsequent elections. Instead, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman—son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia—reclaimed power. Rahman, who had spent 17 years in political exile, positioned himself as a reformer with a clear vision for the country, despite his ties to the old regime. The differences in outcomes stemmed from the nature of the movements. Bangladesh’s protests were driven by organized groups like Jamaat-e-Islami’s Chhatra Shibir, which had clear political goals.#rastriya_swatantra_party #balendra_shah #sheikh_hasina #bangladesh_nationalist_party #tarique_rahman
