KATHMANDU: Four newly appointed ministers took their oath of office and secrecy today before President Ramchandra Paudel at a special ceremony held at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, at 3 PM.

The ministers sworn in were Mahabir Pun as Minister for Education, Science, and Technology; Anil Kumar Sinha as Minister for Industry, Commerce, Supply, and Land Reform; Madan Pariyar as Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Jagadish Kharel as Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki had recommended their names to the President.

Although Dr. Sangita Kaushal Mishra had earlier been recommended for the Health Ministry, her appointment was withheld at the last moment, and she did not take the oath today.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Ramsahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devaraj Ghimire, Chairman of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, senior government officials, security personnel, and other notable personalities.

The ministers bring distinguished professional backgrounds to the cabinet: Anil Kumar Sinha is a former Supreme Court judge with a legal background; Mahabir Pun is the former head of the National Innovation Center, internationally recognized for expanding wireless internet services in remote areas; Madan Pariyar is an agriculture expert; and Jagdish Kharel is a senior journalist.

In the current cabinet, Rameshore Khanal oversees the Finance Ministry, Kulman Ghising manages Energy, Water Resources, Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development, and Omprakash Aryal handles the Home Ministry.

Prime Minister Karki continues to manage the responsibilities of the remaining ministries.